Last verified: March 2026
Who Can Grow Cannabis in Hawaii?
Only registered 329 medical cannabis patients and their designated caregivers may cultivate cannabis in Hawaii. Growing without a valid 329 card is a criminal offense. There is no recreational home-grow option — Hawaii has not legalized adult-use cannabis.
Visitors holding a 329V temporary card cannot cultivate. This right is limited to Hawaii residents with a full 329 registration.
Out-of-state patients with a 329V visitor card may purchase from dispensaries but are not permitted to grow cannabis in Hawaii. Cultivation is reserved for resident 329 cardholders only.
Plant Limits & Possession
| Limit | Amount | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Plants per patient | 10 plants | No distinction between mature and immature plants — all count equally |
| Usable cannabis | 4 ounces | Maximum harvested cannabis on hand at any time |
| Two patients sharing a site | 20 plants | 10 plants per patient, each tagged separately |
| Grow sites per patient | 1 site | Must be registered on your 329 card |
Grow Site Registration
Every cannabis grow site must be registered with DOH as part of your 329 card application. The grow site address appears on your card. Registration is included in the $38.50 annual card fee — there is no additional cost.
Your registered grow site must be one of the following:
- Your own residence
- Your designated caregiver's residence
- A location controlled by you or your caregiver
To change your grow site, you must update your registration through the eHawaii patient portal.
Security Requirements
Hawaii law requires that home grows be concealed from public view and secured:
- Indoor grows: Plants must be in an enclosed, locked space that is not visible to the public from outside the structure
- Outdoor grows: Must have privacy fencing and lockable gates. Plants cannot be visible from any public area
- Only the registered patient and their designated caregiver may access or handle the plants
The medical use of cannabis shall take place at the location indicated on the registration card. Cannabis plants shall be cultivated in an enclosed, locked facility.
HRS §329-122 — Conditions of Use
Plant Tagging Requirements
Every cannabis plant must be tagged with the patient's 329 registration number and card expiration date. Tags must be:
- Attached to each individual plant
- Clearly legible and weatherproof
- Visible to inspectors without disturbing the plants
- Updated if your 329 card is renewed with a new expiration date
DOH provides official tagging guidelines: Download Tagging Guidelines (PDF)
Caregiver Cultivation
Designated caregivers may cultivate cannabis on behalf of their patients. Following the 2025 legislative session:
- Act 046 (SB 1429, 2025) expanded caregiver capacity from 1 patient to up to 5 patients
- Caregiver cultivation rights were retroactively restored after a sunset on December 31, 2024
- Each cultivation location may serve a maximum of 5 patients
- Caregiver violations carry a penalty of $5,000 per occurrence
For more on caregiver rules, see our 329 Medical Program page.
What You Cannot Do
- Grow without a 329 card — this is a criminal offense
- Grow at an unregistered location — plants must be at the address on your card
- Exceed 10 plants — all plants count regardless of size or maturity
- Allow non-registered individuals to access or tend your plants
- Sell or distribute home-grown cannabis to anyone, including other patients
- Grow outdoors without fencing — privacy fencing and lockable gates are mandatory
Act 241 (2025) reportedly includes provisions to phase out unlicensed patient cultivation by January 1, 2028. While details remain unconfirmed, current patients should monitor DOH announcements about any changes to home cultivation rights.
Quick Compliance Checklist
| Requirement | Status |
|---|---|
| Valid 329 card | Required — must be current and unexpired |
| Grow site registered with DOH | Required — address on your 329 card |
| 10 plants or fewer | Required — no mature/immature distinction |
| 4 oz or less harvested cannabis | Required — combined with dispensary purchases |
| Plants tagged with 329 number | Required — each plant individually tagged |
| Enclosed, locked space | Required — not visible from public areas |
| Outdoor: privacy fencing + lockable gates | Required for outdoor grows |
Official Resources
- Growing Cannabis — DOH Rules & Requirements
- Plant Tagging Guidelines (PDF)
- Medical Cannabis Registry — Patient Portal
For in-depth cannabis education, dosing guides, safety information, and research summaries, visit our partner site TryCannabis.org