Hawaii’s Medical Marijuana Program Undergoes Major Overhaul
In a bid to make it easier for patients to access medical cannabis, Hawaii’s lawmakers have passed a series of reforms to the state’s troubled medical marijuana system. The changes aim to increase patient access, reduce costs, and crack down on illegal operations.
The reforms come after concerns that the 12-year-old system was failing, with a decline in the number of registered patients and a lack of availability of products at dispensaries. According to a report, the number of registered patients has fallen from 35,000 to 30,000, with fewer than half using dispensaries. Instead, patients are turning to illegal sources or growing their own cannabis.
The new law makes it easier and cheaper for patients to obtain a medical cannabis card by allowing telehealth consultations with doctors or advanced practice registered nurses. The law also sets a formula to cap fees on the initial appointment and gives providers more freedom to recommend cannabis for more conditions and side effects.
The changes are expected to increase demand for products at dispensaries, which have faced high costs and taxes. Aloha Green Apothecary, a major dispensary in Hawaii, has reported that its pricing is now competitive, with products available for around $100 an ounce, similar to those found on the illegal market.
However, some patients and providers are concerned about the impact of the reforms on patient privacy. The new law allows the government to examine medical records, which could potentially be incriminating for patients. Dr. Clifton Otto, a cannabinoid medicine specialist, expressed concerns about the potential consequences of this provision.
The law also expands the role of caregivers, allowing them to grow up to 10 plants each for up to five patients. Additionally, the law limits shared grow sites to five patients or caregivers, and bans large growing cooperatives.
The reforms are seen as a major step forward in addressing the issues plaguing Hawaii’s medical marijuana system. Senate Consumer Protection Committee Chair Jarrett Keohokalole, who pushed for the changes, said that the goal is to make the system more convenient for patients. The law is expected to take effect in the coming months.
