HB 2097, signed into law in September 2020, allows for the sale of edibles in the state. The Department of Health will oversee the establishment of rules governing the production, labeling, and packaging of edible cannabis products. For the first time, the new law permits dispensaries to "provide, disseminate, and publish educational and scientific materials related to medical cannabis and its approved products and sponsor events about medical cannabis."
Additionally, Hawaii enacted a reciprocity program in 2019, which was expected to increase revenue, but the program, allowing tourists to purchase cannabis with their state's medical card, experienced a slow start.
For years, advocates have been working to pass legislation to sensibly legalize cannabis in Hawaii and recently gained support from the Attorney General. Look for reform in 2024.
There is no notable activity at this time.
Hawaii has decriminalized cannabis, which is a step in the right direction towards legalization. MSOs should pay close attention as an adult use market with tourism of ~10MM people per annum could be quite profitable if a limited license regulatory regime is enacted.
*Vertically integrated businesses who can each operate two cultivation sites and two dispensaries, but dispensaries may apply to open a third.
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