Hawaii Statewide Rule
Hawaii Medical Cannabis Dispensary Licensing
Key Facts
- Statewide dispensary cap
- 8 licensees
- Statute
- HRS Chapter 329D
- School buffer
- 750 feet minimum
- Authority
- Hawaii DOH
Summary
Hawaii Department of Health licenses a fixed number of medical cannabis dispensaries statewide and sets buffer requirements. Counties cannot create additional licenses or override mandatory school and playground separation rules.
(a) Medical cannabis production centers and dispensaries shall comply with all county zoning ordinances, rules, or regulations; provided that: (1) A medical cannabis production center shall be permitted in any area in which agricultural production is permitted except as provided within this chapter; and (2) No medical cannabis production center or dispensary shall be permitted within seven hundred fifty feet of the real property comprising a playground or school.
Full Breakdown
Under HRS Chapter 329D, the Hawaii Department of Health licenses up to eight medical cannabis dispensaries, allocated among the counties by population. Each licensee may operate two production centers and two retail sites. State law mandates that dispensary retail locations sit at least 750 feet from any school, playground, or public housing project. The Department certifies sites and conducts inspections. Counties apply local zoning to compatible commercial districts but cannot issue additional dispensary licenses or waive the 750-foot buffer. Recreational dispensaries are not authorized in Hawaii.
Violations & Penalties
Operating an unlicensed dispensary is a felony under HRS 712, while licensee violations may result in civil fines, license suspension, or revocation by DOH.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Hawaii counties license additional cannabis dispensaries?
How close to schools can Hawaii cannabis dispensaries be?
Sources
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