Hawaii Governor Josh Green has signed an executive order to protect the state’s medical cannabis caregivers from excessive enforcement as portions of the state’s medical cannabis law expired on December 31, 2024. The order ensures continued access to medical cannabis for patients and shields caregivers who cultivate cannabis for their patients, prioritizing the well-being of those navigating severe health issues.
The executive order prohibits the Hawaii Department of Health (DOH) from using its resources to enforce minor violations of the state’s medical cannabis regulations, provided caregivers are cultivating cannabis within the framework and spirit of the existing law. This temporary measure aims to prevent interruptions in care while the state addresses legislative gaps in the program.
Governor Green emphasized the critical need to maintain access for patients, stating, “We have medical cannabis statutes to provide patients the relief they desperately need as they navigate very serious health issues. 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.”
The move highlights the importance of caregiver support in Hawaii’s medical cannabis system, especially for patients unable to access dispensary products due to cost, availability, or specific health requirements. Caregivers have long played a vital role in ensuring patients can obtain the cannabis they need in forms tailored to their medical conditions.
DOH Director Dr. Kenneth Fink also voiced support for the executive order, stating, “The Department strongly supports continuing to allow primary caregivers to cultivate medical cannabis for qualifying patients as needed for the patients’ health.” He reinforced the agency’s commitment to protecting caregivers who operate in compliance with state law.
Legislative Gaps and the Path Forward
Governor Green is now urging lawmakers to prioritize fixes to Hawaii’s medical cannabis laws during the upcoming legislative session. The goal is to create clear, long-term protections for caregivers and ensure patients have uninterrupted access to medical cannabis.
While Hawaii has made significant strides in normalizing medical cannabis, this situation underscores the evolving nature of cannabis legislation and the need for vigilance in protecting patients’ rights. Many states with medical cannabis programs have faced similar challenges, balancing regulatory enforcement with compassionate care.
Caregiver Protections: A Broader Perspective
Hawaii’s decision to extend protections to caregivers reflects a broader recognition of their essential role in medical cannabis systems nationwide. For many patients, caregivers are more than just cultivators—they are lifelines who ensure access to high-quality, affordable, and personalized cannabis treatments.
Without such protections, patients could face significant barriers to obtaining the medicine they need. By enacting this executive order, Hawaii sets an example of how states can prioritize patient welfare while refining and improving cannabis legislation.
What’s Next for Hawaii’s Medical Cannabis Program?
Governor Green’s order is a temporary measure, underscoring the urgency of legislative action. Lawmakers must now address the lapses in Hawaii’s medical cannabis laws to ensure stability and clarity for all stakeholders. This will likely involve revisiting the caregiver cultivation rules, updating patient access provisions, and refining enforcement guidelines to align with the program’s original intent.
Hawaii’s medical cannabis community remains hopeful that these efforts will result in a stronger, more inclusive program that continues to support the patients and caregivers who rely on it.
Conclusion
Governor Green’s executive order is a critical step in maintaining access to medical cannabis in Hawaii during a period of legislative uncertainty. By prioritizing patient care and protecting caregivers, the state reaffirms its commitment to compassionate cannabis use and sets the stage for long-term solutions.
As Hawaii lawmakers work toward addressing these challenges, the cannabis community can take heart in the state’s proactive approach to safeguarding access and supporting those who rely on medical cannabis for their health and well-being.
