Hawaii Governor Vetoes Medical Cannabis Expansion Bill Over Privacy Concerns

LOS ANGELES– Hawaii Governor Josh Green has vetoed House Bill 302 (HB 302), a measure aimed at expanding the state’s medical cannabis program, due to concerns over patient privacy provisions, his office confirmed on June 9, 2025.

The legislation would have authorized certified medical professionals to issue cannabis certifications via telehealth and introduced several regulatory updates, including penalties for unlicensed dispensaries and limits on unpermitted cannabis cultivation. However, the governor’s primary objection centered on a provision granting the Department of Health warrantless access to patient medical records.

In his veto message, Green emphasized his support for broadening access to medical cannabis for qualifying conditions but described the records provision as “a grave violation of privacy.” He warned that, given cannabis remains a Schedule I substance federally, patients may be deterred from seeking treatment due to fears of exposure or legal repercussions.

The legislature has until July 9 to override the veto; otherwise, HB 302 will expire without becoming law.

Public reaction reflects divided sentiment. Supporters of the bill highlight its telehealth authorization as a needed modernization, especially for patients with limited access to in-person care. Meanwhile, privacy advocates and medical professionals back the governor’s decision, noting that warrantless access to private health records could undermine patient-doctor confidentiality

Governor Green has signed over 200 other bills into law this session and placed 19 on his “intent-to-veto” list, citing concerns ranging from budget sustainability to consumer privacy. HB 302 is the only cannabis-related measure on that list

As the deadline nears, legislators may attempt to remove or revise the contested privacy clause to gain the governor’s approval. Stakeholders in Hawaii’s medical cannabis sector will be watching closely for any compromise that balances expanded access with patient privacy protections.