Cannabis Organizations & Advocacy in Hawaii

Hawaii's Cannabis Advocacy Landscape

Hawaii was the first state to legalize medical cannabis through its legislature (rather than a ballot initiative) in 2000. Since then, a vibrant network of advocacy organizations has pushed to expand patient access, reform criminal penalties, and advance legalization. Despite the Senate passing recreational cannabis measures multiple times, the House has blocked every attempt — making these organizations' ongoing work all the more critical.

Drug Policy Forum of Hawaii (DPFH)

Website: dpfhi.org
Phone: (808) 518-3213

Founded in 1993, the Drug Policy Forum of Hawaii is the longest-running drug policy reform organization in the state. DPFH has been a consistent voice at the Hawaii State Legislature for more than three decades, testifying on cannabis decriminalization, medical program expansion, expungement, and harm reduction.

DPFH played a key role in the passage of Hawaii's original medical cannabis law (Act 228, 2000), the decriminalization of 3 grams or less (2019), and ongoing efforts to bring recreational legalization through the House. The organization advocates for evidence-based drug policy and provides public education on the harms of prohibition.

Hawaii Alliance for Cannabis Reform (HACR)

Website: acluhi.org/hawaii-alliance-cannabis-reform

The Hawaii Alliance for Cannabis Reform is a broad coalition that unites some of the most prominent advocacy organizations in the state, including:

• ACLU of Hawaii — civil liberties advocacy and criminal justice reform
• Marijuana Policy Project (MPP) — national legalization strategy and legislative support
• Last Prisoner Project — advocacy for people incarcerated for cannabis offenses
• Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement — ensuring equitable access for Native Hawaiian communities

HACR coordinates legislative strategy, organizes testimony at the State Capitol, and builds public support for comprehensive cannabis reform. The coalition has been instrumental in advancing legalization bills through the Senate and continues to press the House for action.

Medical Cannabis Coalition of Hawaii (MCCHI)

Website: mcchi.org

The Medical Cannabis Coalition of Hawaii is a patient and caregiver advocacy network focused specifically on the needs of Hawaii's 30,000+ registered 329 cardholders. MCCHI works to improve the medical cannabis program by advocating for:

• Expanded qualifying conditions and patient protections
• Affordable access to medical cannabis across all islands
• Caregiver rights and program improvements
• Patient input in DOH rulemaking and legislative processes

MCCHI was a strong voice in support of Act 241 (2025), which opened the medical program to any condition, and Act 046 (2025), which expanded caregiver capacity to 5 patients.

Hawaii Cannabis Industry Association (HICIA)

Website: facebook.com/theHICIA

The Hawaii Cannabis Industry Association represents the state's licensed dispensary operators, cultivators, and ancillary cannabis businesses. With only 8 dispensary licenses statewide (the most restricted market in the country), HICIA works to ensure the industry can serve patients effectively while navigating Hawaii's unique regulatory environment.

HICIA advocates for regulatory modernization, inter-island commerce provisions, and a sustainable path toward potential adult-use legalization that includes existing medical operators.

NORML — Hawaii

Website: norml.org/laws/hawaii-penalties

The National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws maintains a detailed Hawaii state page tracking current penalties, decriminalization thresholds, medical program rules, and legislative developments. NORML's Hawaii penalty page is one of the most-cited references for understanding the state's patchwork of criminal and medical cannabis laws.

NORML provides national advocacy infrastructure, public education campaigns, and legal resources that complement Hawaii-based organizations' on-the-ground efforts.

Marijuana Policy Project (MPP) — Hawaii

Website: mpp.org/states/hawaii

The Marijuana Policy Project is a key member of the Hawaii Alliance for Cannabis Reform and provides national legislative expertise to Hawaii's legalization efforts. MPP's Hawaii state page tracks current law, pending legislation, and reform opportunities.

MPP has been particularly active in supporting Senate legalization bills and organizing constituent testimony. The organization's state-by-state approach helps Hawaii advocates learn from successful legalization campaigns in other states.

Get Involved

Hawaii's cannabis laws continue to evolve. The Hawaii State Legislature meets annually (January through May), and cannabis bills are introduced every session. The legalization effort in Hawaii has been uniquely shaped by the divide between the Senate (which has repeatedly passed adult-use measures) and the House (which has blocked them).

These organizations offer ways to stay informed, testify at hearings, contact your representatives, and support reform efforts. With Act 241 (2025) opening the medical program to any condition and HB 132 (2025) streamlining expungement, momentum continues to build.

Hawaii became the first state to legalize medical cannabis legislatively with Act 228 (2000). The program is administered by the Department of Health, Office of Medical Cannabis Control and Regulation (OMCCR).

Hawaii Department of Health — OMCCR