Hawaii Governor Signs Executive Order to Protect Medical Cannabis Caregivers

LOS ANGELES- Governor Josh Green of Hawaii has signed Executive Order No. 24-06 to protect caregivers who provide medical cannabis to qualified patients from undue enforcement.

This action addresses legal changes that were set to take effect on January 1, 2025, which would have ended the authorization for primary caregivers to cultivate cannabis for patients. The Governor’s order directs the Department of Health to refrain from using resources to enforce these changes against caregivers who are cultivating cannabis within the bounds of the previous law. This measure ensures that caregivers can continue their duties without fear of enforcement, provided they comply with existing regulations.

Governor Green emphasized the importance of this action, stating, “We have medical cannabis statutes to provide patients the relief each desperately needs as they navigate very serious health issues. We must protect the patients and their caregivers when the caregivers cultivate cannabis for a patient in a manner that fits squarely within the spirit of the medical-cannabis law.”

The Hawaii Department of Health supports this directive, with Director Dr. Kenneth Fink noting the importance of allowing primary caregivers to cultivate medical cannabis for qualifying patients as needed for their health.

The Governor has urged the Legislature to amend the law to ensure that primary caregivers can continue to provide services to patients in need.

As of November 30, 2024, Hawaii’s Medical Cannabis Registry Program reported over 30,000 patients with valid registrations and more than 2,600 registered caregivers.

This executive order serves as an interim measure to maintain patient access to medical cannabis until legislative action can provide a permanent solution.