Medical cannabis patients who travel often face restrictions that prevent them from bringing their medicine with them. Transporting cannabis across state lines, for example, even for a medical cardholder, is a federal crime. At the same time, Hawaii continues to set tourism records, year after year. In 2016, a total of 8,934,277 visitors came to the state, with U.S. tourists making up around 60 percent. With 2,500 miles between the Hawaii and the nearest U.S. state with legal medical cannabis, that means a lot of tourist-patients with no access to medical cannabis.
But a new policy rule will change all of that. Hawaii is planning to implement a process whereby medical cannabis cardholders in other states can buy products in Hawaii.
Hawaii Set To Open Medical Cannabis Program To Visitors
By next year, Hawaii wants to allow visitors to the islands to purchase medical cannabis from licensed dispensaries. However, you won’t be able to get into a dispensary simply with your out-of-state medical cannabis card.
Instead, you’ll need to apply for a special temporary registration card. Eligibility for the card, however, won’t mirror qualifications in the visitor’s home state. To be eligible, a person must have a qualifying condition under Hawaii’s medical cannabis rules.
Additionally, temporary patient registration cards cost nearly $50; $45 plus a $4.50 processing fee, according to sources. Medical cannabis cards for out-of-state patients will also only be valid for 60 days. At that point, patients can re-apply, but many will have returned home by then, or obtained a card in Hawaii.
Will Other States Follow Hawaii’s Lead on Reciprocity?
Back in March, Hawaii’s House of Representatives passed the bill that paved the way to allowing out-of-state patients access to medical