The state is urging Hawaii patients whose medical marijuana certification expires by the end of December to renew their certification with the Department of Public Safety before Dec. 12.
The state is urging Hawaii patients whose medical marijuana certification expires by the end of December to renew their certification with the Department of Public Safety before Dec. 12.
A patient with a debilitating medical condition must obtain a signed physician’s medical statement that the potential benefits of the medical use of marijuana would likely outweigh the health risks for the qualifying patient before applying for a written certification from the Department of Public Safety.
The medical marijuana program has been in operation for 14 years and, as required in Act 177, is being transferred to the Department of Health, effective Jan. 1, 2015. There will be a period from Dec. 12 to 31 in which no certifications will be issued to prepare for the transition.
Although federal law prohibits the use of marijuana, Hawaii is one of 23 states and the District of Columbia that has legalized marijuana for medicinal purposes, acknowledging the health benefits of medical marijuana use.
Certifications are good for one year. Patients must possess a current certification that allows lawful cultivation, possession, and use of marijuana for medical purposes. This certification must be available to law enforcement officials at any time to avoid potential legal action. The Department of Health will honor all current Department of Public Safety medical marijuana certifications through their expiration date.
The current registration fee to receive a medical marijuana card from the Department of Public Safety is $25. In keeping with Act 177, commencing Jan. 1, 2015, medical marijuana applications will be submitted through an online process to the Department of Health and the registration fee will increase to $38.50, which includes the portal fee. Online payment will be available and is encouraged for faster services.
For questions about the transition, patients may call the Medical Marijuana Information Hotline for recorded messages at 974-4000. For more information, visit the Department of Health’s new Medical Marijuana Program’s website by clicking here.