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Hawaii's 329 Medical Cannabis Program

Hawaii's medical cannabis registry — how to get a 329 card, what it costs, who qualifies, and what changed with Act 241 in 2025.

Last verified: March 2026

What Is the 329 Program?

Hawaii's medical cannabis program is administered under HRS Chapter 329, Part IX by the Department of Health's Office of Medical Cannabis Control & Regulation (OMCCR). Named after its statute chapter, the "329 program" is the only legal path to cannabis in Hawaii — recreational use remains illegal.

Hawaii medical cannabis program — doctor and patient
Hawaii's 329 program requires physician certification and a $38.50 application fee. Photo: Unsplash (free license)

Since Governor Cayetano signed Act 228 in 2000, over 30,000 patients have maintained active registrations, with a peak of 35,444 cardholders in August 2021. In 2025, Act 241 (HB 302) delivered the program's most significant overhaul ever, eliminating the fixed list of qualifying conditions and permitting telehealth for initial certifications.

30,000+
Active Cardholders
$38.50
Annual Card Cost
Any Condition
Qualifies (Since 2025)

Who Qualifies?

As of July 2025, any medical condition qualifies if your certifying provider determines that cannabis may benefit your health. Act 241 eliminated the requirement that patients have a condition from a specific list.

The old qualifying conditions remain in statute for reference but are no longer exclusive:

  • Cancer, glaucoma, HIV/AIDS
  • PTSD, ALS, lupus, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis
  • Rheumatoid arthritis, cachexia
  • Severe pain, severe nausea, seizures, severe muscle spasms

Act 241 removes the requirement that a qualifying patient have a specific debilitating medical condition, instead allowing any condition for which a licensed provider certifies that the medical use of cannabis may benefit the patient.

HB 302 (Act 241, SLH 2025) — Summary

How to Get a 329 Card: Step by Step

  1. See a certifying provider. You need a physician (MD or DO) or Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) who is registered with DOH as a medical cannabis certifier. Telehealth is now permitted for initial certifications as of July 2025 — you no longer need an in-person visit.
  2. Create an eHawaii.gov account. Visit medmj.ehawaii.gov and register for an account to start your application.
  3. Pay the application fee.
    Item Cost
    329 card (1 year) $38.50 ($35 DOH + $3.50 admin)
    329 card (2 years, renewal with chronic condition) $77.00
    329V visitor card (60 days) ~$49.50
    Provider certification (maximum) ~$115.50 (capped at 3× DOH fee)
  4. Provider submits certification. Your certifying provider completes and submits certification through the DOH online portal. Provider certification fees are capped at approximately $115.50.
  5. DOH reviews your application. Processing typically takes 3–5 business days.
  6. Download your electronic card. Once approved, your 329 card is available for download through your eHawaii account. You can begin purchasing from dispensaries immediately.
Processing Time

DOH typically reviews applications within 3–5 business days. Make sure your provider submits their certification promptly — the clock starts when DOH receives both your application and the provider certification.

Card Duration & Renewal

329 cards are valid for 1 year on initial registration. Renewal cards for patients with chronic conditions can be issued for up to 2 years ($77 total). DOH sends renewal notifications 60 days before expiration.

Visitor Cards (329V)

Out-of-state patients holding a valid medical cannabis card from their home state can apply for a 329V temporary visitor card:

  • Cost: $49.50
  • Duration: 60 days
  • Apply online: Up to 60 days before your arrival at medmj.ehawaii.gov
  • Limitation: 329V cardholders cannot cultivate cannabis in Hawaii
Planning a Trip?

Apply for your 329V card up to 60 days before you arrive. You will need your valid out-of-state medical card and a Hawaii provider certification. Check our visitor card guide for details.

Caregivers

Patients may designate a caregiver to assist with obtaining and administering cannabis. Key rules:

  • Age requirement: Must be 18 or older
  • Cannot be the patient's physician
  • Patient limit: Each caregiver may serve up to 5 patients (expanded from 1 by Act 046/SB 1429 in 2025)
  • Cultivation: Caregiver cultivation rights were retroactively restored after a sunset on December 31, 2024. Each cultivation location serves a maximum of 5 patients.
  • Minor patients: Must have 2 caregivers, both must be a parent, guardian, or legal custodian
  • Violations: $5,000 per occurrence for caregiver violations

Patient Protections & Privacy

The 329 patient registry is strictly confidential under HRS §329-104. Disclosing or misusing registry information is a Class C felony. Limited exceptions exist for:

  • Law enforcement with reasonable grounds
  • Registered healthcare providers
  • De-identified research data

Registered patients are also protected from discrimination in education, housing, medical care (including organ transplants), and child custody proceedings under Act 242 (SLH 2015).

Note: Act 241 (2025) gave DOH authority to inspect provider medical records without a warrant, which has drawn criticism from patient privacy advocates.

What Your Card Allows

Official Resources

For in-depth cannabis education, dosing guides, safety information, and research summaries, visit our partner site TryCannabis.org