Hawaii's Cannabis Legalization Debate

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September 15 2025

Global Context

Cannabis legalization grows worldwide. Many destinations profit from recreational and medical cannabis.

Federal Developments

President Trump hints at reclassifying cannabis as less dangerous. Moving from Schedule I to Schedule III won't legalize it federally. The House Appropriations Committee advanced a 2026 bill opposing rescheduling. Proponents remain hopeful after past failures.

Hawaii's Potential

MMGY Travel Intelligence highlights Hawaii as a cannabis tourism destination. State health officials support Schedule III reclassification. It aligns with scientific evidence and medical use in many states. Reclassification could ease research, medical guidance, banking, and insurance barriers. Federal changes won't alter Hawaii's medical cannabis laws unless the state legislature acts.

Hawaii's Cannabis History

Hawaii legalized medical cannabis in 2000 via Act 228, the first state to do so through legislation. Act 116 (2018) allows recognition of out-of-state cannabis cardholders. Recreational use remains illegal, though possession of 3 grams or less was decriminalized in 2019.

Legislative Efforts

Rep. David Tarnas introduced House Bill 1246 to legalize recreational cannabis. It died alongside Senate Bill 1613. Tarnas plans a new bill next year, incorporating best practices from other states. He believes legalization will pass despite skeptics.

Opposition

Honolulu City Prosecutor Steve Alm opposes legalization. He cites increased THC potency (20-40% now vs. 3-4% in 2000). Alm links recreational use to car crashes, hospital admissions, psychiatric issues, and environmental harm from illegal grows. He notes declining youth use in states with legal cannabis.

State Health Position

The Department of Health (DOH) enforces medical cannabis laws but hasn't endorsed recreational legalization. It warns of potential public health risks.

National and International Trends

As of June 26, 40 states, three territories, and D.C. allow medical cannabis. Twenty-four states regulate recreational use. Alm claims legalization momentum is slowing, citing rejections in 2023 and 2024. Thailand plans to reverse its 2022 decriminalization by late 2025, limiting use to medical purposes.

Medical Cannabis Program

DOH’s Office of Medical Cannabis Control and Regulation oversees dispensaries and patient registration. It ensures product safety and compliance. Hawaii has eight dispensary licensees with 24 locations across Oahu, Hawaii Island, Maui, and Kauai. The program registers 29,325 in-state patients, with severe pain as the top condition. Out-of-state patient cards peaked at 5,709 in 2022, with 3,003 issued in 2024.

Outlook

Hawaii’s recreational cannabis debate remains unresolved. Economic potential and regulatory improvements drive support, but health and safety concerns persist.