Hawaii Lawmakers Approve Bill To Let Patients Access Medical Marijuana Immediately Instead Of Having To Wait For Registration Processing

OG article by Kyle Jaeger

February 18, 2026

Hawaii lawmakers approved SB 3315, allowing medical cannabis patients to access products immediately upon registration submission rather than waiting for card delivery. Sponsored by Sen. Angus McKelvey (D), the bill was amended in a joint Senate committee hearing to limit one-time purchases to one ounce (from two). Sen. Joy San Buenaventura (D), Health Committee chair, supported it, citing regulatory tracking via rules and personal experience aiding a terminally ill relative needing prompt access. This advances amid legalization debates, where the Senate has shown more reform support than the House (which deemed legalization bills dead for 2026). A state report projects $46–$90 million in monthly recreational sales by year five under a 15% tax. Context includes prior failed decriminalization (to 15 grams) and legalization efforts, plus expansions like caregiver growing for up to five patients, hemp rules, faster expungements, expanded dispensary products (vapes, papers), and healthcare education. A recent bill allows in-facility access, but a signed expansion law includes controversial patient record access provisions.