Understanding How Much a Hawaii Medical Marijuana Card Costs

Photo by Peter Vanosdall

If you’re wondering about the cost of medical marijuana in Hawaii or thinking about getting a Hawaii medical marijuana card, you’re not alone. Even in a state where medical cannabis has been legal for decades, many patients aren’t sure what they’ll pay for a card, how much medical marijuana costs at dispensaries, or what their legal limits are.

This comprehensive guide breaks down everything you need to know about medical marijuana in Hawaii—from Hawaii medical marijuana card cost and doctor visit fees to dispensary pricing, possession limits, eligibility requirements, and the application process. Whether you’re a local resident managing chronic pain, a cancer patient seeking relief, or someone exploring alternatives to pharmaceuticals, understanding the true costs of participating in Hawaii’s medical cannabis program will help you make informed choices and avoid surprises.

Is Weed Legal in Hawaii?

Yes—Hawaii legalized medical marijuana all the way back in 2000, making it one of the first U.S. states to do so. Under Hawaii law, qualified patients with a valid medical marijuana card can legally possess and use cannabis for therapeutic purposes. They can also grow their own plants if they’re registered with the state.

However, recreational cannabis remains illegal in Hawaii. Efforts to legalize adult-use cannabis have been debated in the state legislature multiple times, but as of 2025, possession of marijuana without a valid medical authorization is still a crime. Even small amounts for personal use can lead to fines or misdemeanor charges, while larger quantities or intent to distribute can trigger felony charges.

If you’re curious about Hawaii’s marijuana laws in more detail, you can read our guide here: Is Weed Legal in Hawaii?

Medical Weed in Hawaii

Hawaii’s medical marijuana program is designed to serve patients with specific qualifying conditions by providing them safe, regulated access to cannabis. Licensed dispensaries are located on several islands, offering a wide range of products—from flower and vape cartridges to tinctures, capsules, and edibles.

Patients with valid state-issued 329 cards (named after Hawaii’s relevant statute) can purchase cannabis at these dispensaries, grow a limited number of plants at home if authorized, and travel inter-island with their medication (but not outside the state). The program is overseen by Hawaii’s Department of Health, which manages patient registration, dispensary licensing, and compliance checks to ensure safety and access.

The Status of Recreational Weed in Hawaii

Despite growing support, recreational cannabis remains illegal in Hawaii. Possessing even small quantities without a medical card can result in a fine or criminal record. Decriminalization measures have reduced penalties for under three grams of cannabis to a civil fine, but larger amounts carry more serious consequences.

While state lawmakers have repeatedly considered adult-use legalization bills, they have yet to pass. For now, Hawaii’s cannabis market is strictly medical, and only registered patients with valid 329 cards can legally buy and use cannabis.

Did You Know There Were Recent Changes to Hawaii’s Medical Marijuana Laws?

Hawaii’s new medical cannabis law (HB302) removed the old list of qualifying conditions! Now any condition can qualify if your licensed provider believes cannabis will help. Telemedicine appointments are fully supported too—making it easy to get certified from anywhere in the islands. Schedule up an appointment now!

Photo by Getty Images

Who Is Eligible for a Hawaii Medical Marijuana Card?

Wondering whether you qualify? Hawaii’s medical marijuana program has specific eligibility requirements designed to ensure that only patients with serious medical needs gain access.

HI Medical Weed Requirements

To get a medical marijuana card in Hawaii, you must be a resident of Hawaii with proof of address such as a driver’s license, state ID, or utility bill. Patients must be at least 18 years old, though minors can also qualify with parental consent and a designated caregiver.

One of the biggest changes to Hawaii’s medical cannabis program is that there’s no longer a fixed list of qualifying conditions. Instead, HB302 gives healthcare providers complete discretion to determine whether cannabis is medically appropriate. This means your licensed Hawaii physician or APRN can recommend cannabis for any condition they believe would benefit from its use—offering far greater flexibility and personalized care than before.

Additionally, patients can now complete their certification appointments via telemedicine, making access even easier, especially for those living on neighbor islands or in remote areas. Once certified, you’ll apply through the Department of Health’s online registry to receive your official 329 card.

HI Medical Weed Qualifying Conditions

Previously, Hawaii had a fixed list of qualifying conditions that included cancer, chronic pain, epilepsy, and PTSD, among others. But with the passage of HB302, this list has been eliminated. Now it’s entirely up to your licensed healthcare provider to determine if cannabis is an appropriate treatment.

This change means that virtually any debilitating condition that impacts your health or quality of life could potentially qualify, provided your provider supports the recommendation. It’s designed to put decision-making back in the hands of doctors and patients, ensuring more personalized, compassionate care.

Photo by Getty Images

How Much Does a Hawaii Medical Marijuanas Card Cost?

Now let’s get into the real question on most patients’ minds: How much is a medical card marijuana in Hawaii? While there’s no single answer that applies to every patient, here’s a complete breakdown of typical costs:

Doctors Visit

Your first cost is the required visit to a licensed Hawaii physician or APRN. This visit includes a review of your medical history, discussion of your qualifying condition, and a determination of whether medical cannabis is appropriate. Prices typically range from $150 to $200 for an initial evaluation.

This fee is paid directly to your doctor or clinic and is not covered by insurance. Some providers specialize in medical marijuana evaluations and offer discounts for veterans, seniors, or low-income patients. It’s always worth asking about payment plans or sliding scale fees.

Telemedicine Appointment

Another key benefit of Hawaii’s updated medical cannabis program is the expanded use of telemedicine. Patients can now complete their entire certification appointment online via a secure video platform with a licensed Hawaii physician or APRN.

Telemedicine appointments make the process more accessible than ever—especially for patients on neighbor islands or those with mobility issues. They typically cost $125 to $175, and providers can email your signed authorization form immediately so you can move on to the state application without delay.

Application Process

After your provider certifies you, you’ll register online through Hawaii’s Medical Cannabis Registry. The application fee charged by the state is $38.50 and must be paid annually.

Once approved, you’ll receive your official 329 card. This card is required to buy cannabis at dispensaries, claim possession exemptions, and (if authorized) grow your own plants at home.

For a complete guide on applying, visit: Hawaii Medical Marijuana Card

Renewal Fees

Your Hawaii medical marijuana card is valid for one year. To maintain your legal protections and ability to buy cannabis at dispensaries, you’ll need to renew annually.

Renewal costs typically mirror your first certification fee—about $125 to $200 for the doctor’s visit, plus the $38.50 state fee. Patients should plan ahead to renew at least 30 days before their card expires to avoid any lapse in access.

Photo by Cova Software

Hawaii Medical Cannabis Limits

Even with a valid card, Hawaii places clear limits on how much cannabis you can possess, buy, or grow.

How much marijuana can you buy from one Hawaii dispensary?

Registered patients can purchase up to four ounces of usable cannabis in a 30-day period from licensed dispensaries. Dispensaries track sales in the state registry to ensure patients don’t exceed their legal limits, no matter how many dispensaries they visit.

Dispensaries offer a variety of products—including flower, concentrates, edibles, tinctures, and topicals—so patients can tailor their purchases to their medical needs while staying within the four-ounce limit.

How much weed can you carry in Hawaii?

With a valid 329 card, patients can legally possess up to four ounces of usable cannabis at any given time. Cannabis must be stored securely and should not be used in public spaces or on federal land (including national parks, military bases, or airports).

Travel between islands is permitted, but carrying cannabis out of state is strictly illegal—even to other states with medical or recreational programs.

How much weed is a felony in Hawaii?

Possessing more than one ounce without a valid medical card is generally treated as a misdemeanor for first-time offenses, but penalties escalate quickly. Possession of more than one pound (16 ounces) is classified as a felony and can result in significant prison time and fines.

For registered patients, staying within the four-ounce limit is essential to maintain legal protections and avoid harsh penalties.

Photo by Getty Images

FAQs About Hawaii Medical Marijuana Costs

How much does medical weed cost in Hawaii?

Hawaii medical marijuana cost varies by dispensary, island, and product type. On average, flower typically sells for $35 to $50 per eighth (3.5 grams), which works out to $280 to $400 per ounce. Vape cartridges are generally priced between $50 and $80, while tinctures, capsules, and edibles can range from $30 to over $100 depending on potency and brand. It’s also important to consider that prices can fluctuate between islands due to transportation costs and local demand. Many dispensaries also offer loyalty programs, patient discounts, or special deals to help manage costs over time, making it worthwhile to shop around and compare prices before settling on your regular supplier.

What conditions qualify for a medical card in HI?

Thanks to Hawaii’s new medical cannabis law (HB302), there is no longer a fixed list of qualifying conditions. Instead, it’s entirely up to your licensed Hawaii physician or APRN to decide whether cannabis is an appropriate treatment for you. This means any condition that seriously affects your health, comfort, or quality of life could qualify if your provider agrees that medical cannabis may help.

This change is designed to give patients and providers more flexibility and ensure care is truly personalized. Whether you’re managing chronic pain, anxiety, sleep issues, severe nausea, or another serious condition, you can now have an open, individualized conversation with your healthcare provider to see if cannabis is a good fit for your treatment plan.

How do I get medical weed in Hawaii?

The process is straightforward but requires a few steps. First, schedule an evaluation with a licensed Hawaii physician or APRN who is authorized to recommend medical cannabis. During this visit—either in person or via telemedicine—the provider will review your medical history and determine if you have a qualifying condition. Once approved, you’ll receive an electronic authorization that allows you to apply through the state’s online Medical Cannabis Registry. After paying the $38.50 state fee, your application will be reviewed by the Department of Health. Once approved (often within 1–3 business days), you can immediately download and print your 329 card and use it to purchase cannabis legally from licensed dispensaries statewide.

How long does it take to get a medical card in Hawaii?

Getting a Hawaii medical marijuana card is usually a quick process, making it one of the faster programs in the U.S. After completing your doctor’s evaluation—whether in person or via telemedicine—you’ll immediately receive your authorization form. You can then apply online and pay the required $38.50 fee to the Department of Health. Approval typically takes 1–3 business days, though some patients report same-day or next-day approvals during normal processing periods. Once approved, you can instantly print your card and use it right away at any licensed dispensary. This rapid turnaround means most patients can go from evaluation to legal purchase within the same week, making it highly convenient for those in need of timely symptom relief.

Photo by Cova Software

Apply for a Hawaii Medical Marijuana Card Today

If you’re ready to take control of your treatment and gain legal access to safe, lab-tested cannabis in Hawaii, Green Health Docs is here to help. Our licensed physicians offer both in-person and telemedicine evaluations to make the process easy, affordable, and accessible. We’ll walk you through every step, from certification to completing your online application.

Don’t wait—apply for your Hawaii medical marijuana card today and discover how medical cannabis can help you manage your health naturally and legally.

This article has been reviewed by Dr. Anand Dugar, an anesthesiologist, pain medicine physician and the founder of Green Health Docs. Graduating from medical school in 2004 and residency in 2008, Dr. Dugar has been a licensed physician for almost 20 years and has been leading the push for medical cannabis nationwide.