Hawaii Cannabis Industry Resources

Official links, regulatory contacts, and reference materials for cannabis industry professionals and researchers in Hawaii.

Last verified: March 2026

State Regulatory Agencies

Hawaii's medical cannabis program is administered by the Department of Health (DOH) through the Office of Medical Cannabis Control and Regulation (OMCCR). The following DOH offices manage different aspects of the program:

Office of Medical Cannabis Control and Regulation (OMCCR)

OMCCR oversees dispensary licensing, compliance inspections, and rulemaking. This is the primary regulatory contact for all dispensary-related matters.

Medical Cannabis Registry

The Registry manages patient and caregiver 329 cards, provider certifications, and the electronic verification system used by dispensaries at point of sale.

Dispensary Program

This office manages the 8 dispensary licenses, including renewals, facility approvals, and operational compliance. For details on the licensing structure, see Dispensary Licensing.

Statutes and Administrative Rules

Hawaii's cannabis program is built on two primary statutory chapters and their implementing administrative rules:

HRS Chapter 329 — Uniform Controlled Substances Act

The foundational statute governing controlled substances in Hawaii. Part IX (sections 329-121 through 329-131) establishes the medical cannabis patient program, qualifying conditions, possession limits, and caregiver provisions.

HRS Chapter 329D — Medical Cannabis Dispensary Program

The statute that created the dispensary system in 2015 (Act 241). Defines the 8-license structure, vertical integration requirement, fees, operational standards, and the DOH's regulatory authority.

HAR 11-850 — Dispensary Interim Rules

The interim administrative rules governing dispensary operations — security, tracking, testing, labeling, packaging, advertising, and inspections. These rules implement HRS §329D and are the most detailed operational reference for dispensary compliance. For a summary, see Compliance Requirements.

HAR 11-160 — Medical Cannabis Registry Rules

Administrative rules governing the patient and caregiver registry system, 329 card issuance, qualifying conditions, and provider certification.

Legislative Resources

Hawaii State Legislature

Track current and past cannabis-related bills, committee hearings, and testimony. Cannabis legislation is typically heard by the Health and Human Services, Commerce and Consumer Protection, and Judiciary committees.

Dual Use Task Force

The Dual Use of Cannabis Task Force was established to study and make recommendations regarding the potential legalization of adult-use (recreational) cannabis in Hawaii. Their reports and meeting materials are available on the DOH website.

Industry Organizations

Hawaii Cannabis Industry Association (HICIA)

HICIA represents Hawaii's cannabis industry stakeholders and participates in legislative advocacy, public education, and industry standards development.

Education and Research

For comprehensive cannabis education beyond Hawaii-specific regulations, our partner site provides in-depth guides on consumption methods, dosing, safety, and the latest research:

Contact the DOH

For questions about dispensary licensing, compliance, or the regulatory framework:

Office Office of Medical Cannabis Control and Regulation (OMCCR)
Phone (808) 733-2177
Email medicalcannabis@doh.hawaii.gov
Website health.hawaii.gov/medicalcannabis

All links verified as of March 2026. Hawaii's medical cannabis program is administered by the Department of Health through the Office of Medical Cannabis Control and Regulation (OMCCR). Statutes, rules, and program information are maintained on the DOH website.

Hawaii DOH — OMCCR