Hawaii medical cannabis caregivers received crucial protection through an executive order signed by Governor Josh Green on December 30, 2024. The order addresses the expiration of the state's caregiver program, which ended December 31, ensuring continued access for patients who rely on caregivers for their medical marijuana.

Medical Cannabis Caregiver Crisis in Hawaii

The executive order comes after state legislators failed to extend the existing caregiver program before its December 31 deadline. Representative Della Belatti, chair of the House Public Safety Committee, acknowledged this oversight, calling it "a failure that we did not address this impending deadline."

As of October 2024, Hawaii's medical cannabis program served over 30,000 registered patients, with approximately 2,600 caregivers providing essential cultivation services. These caregivers play a vital role for patients who cannot grow cannabis themselves or prefer not to use dispensaries.

Executive Order Protection Details

Drawing on his background as a physician, Governor Green structured the order to prevent negative health outcomes for patients. The Department of Health and Office of Medical Cannabis Control and Regulation will now prioritize enforcement only for significant violations, including:

• Diversion of cannabis from qualified patients
• Commercial exploitation of caregiver status
• Cultivation for multiple patients (except for legal guardians of minor patients)
• Operation of grow facilities serving more than five patients

Current Medical Cannabis Framework

Under Hawaii's medical cannabis laws, caregivers may cultivate up to 10 cannabis plants and possess four ounces of usable marijuana for each qualifying patient. Cultivation can occur at:

• The patient's residence
• The caregiver's residence
• A controlled site approved for cultivation

Legislative Path Forward

While the executive order provides immediate protection, Governor Green has emphasized the need for a permanent legislative solution. The Hawaii Legislature has the opportunity to address these concerns in its upcoming session, with the potential for medical cannabis program reforms and broader marijuana policy changes under consideration.

The Department of Health has expressed strong support for maintaining caregiver cultivation rights, recognizing their essential role in patient care. The state's licensed dispensary companies continue to operate alongside the caregiver program, providing patients with multiple options for obtaining their medical cannabis.

"We must protect the patients and their caregivers when the caregivers cultivate cannabis for a patient in a manner that fits squarely within the spirit of the medical-cannabis law,' Governor Green emphasized in his statement.”