RELATING TO CANNABIS.
What changed between versions
Adult-use cannabis legalization delayed until January 1, 2026, with a six-month preparation period for regulatory agencies, law enforcement, and businesses.
Established the Hawaii Cannabis and Hemp Office with dedicated funding through a special fund, including subaccounts for social equity grants, public health/education, public safety, and hemp development.
Created comprehensive definitions for adult-use cannabis, hemp, hemp products, and related terms to distinguish between medical, adult-use, and hemp categories.
Mandated that the new office prioritize public health and safety, with powers to investigate, seize, and prosecute illegal cannabis activities outside safe harbor protections.
Requires all cannabis businesses to obtain licenses, pay taxes, and comply with seed-to-sale tracking, security measures, and advertising restrictions to prevent targeting minors.
Added requirements for child-resistant packaging, labeling standards, potency limits, and restrictions on advertising and marketing to protect minors.
Mandated background checks for all office employees and contractors, with specific provisions for expunged convictions and marijuana-related offenses.
Established social equity grant programs for applicants from disproportionately impacted areas, requiring 51% ownership by residents of such areas or employment of local residents.
Consolidated medical cannabis, adult-use cannabis, and hemp under one regulatory framework through the new Hawaii Cannabis and Hemp Office, replacing the previous separate systems.
Included detailed definitions for hemp products with THC limits of 0.3% or less, distinguishing industrial hemp from products intended for human consumption.
