Hawaii Governor Josh Green has signed an executive order safeguarding medical marijuana caregivers who grow cannabis for patients. The move comes after lawmakers failed to extend statutory protections set to expire, leaving patients vulnerable to enforcement action. The governor’s intervention aims to maintain access to essential medical cannabis for those in need.
Executive Order Fills Legislative Gap
Governor Green’s executive order prevents the Hawaii Department of Health (DOH) from enforcing penalties against medical marijuana caregivers who comply with existing laws. The directive bridges a critical gap in protections that legislators overlooked, with the governor emphasizing the importance of uninterrupted care for patients battling serious health conditions.
“We must protect patients and their caregivers,” Green said in a statement. “This action aligns with the intent of Hawaii’s medical cannabis law and ensures that patients don’t face unnecessary hurdles.”
The order also outlines circumstances where enforcement remains appropriate, such as cases involving illegal diversion of cannabis.
Department of Health Endorses Action
The DOH expressed support for the executive order, underscoring the health risks patients could face if caregiver protections were allowed to lapse. Kenneth Fink, DOH Director, stressed the need to ensure patients continue to access medical cannabis safely.
“The expiration of caregiver authority would have led to negative outcomes for those suffering from debilitating conditions,” Fink stated. Limited enforcement resources also played a role in shaping the DOH’s position, as the agency prioritizes more severe violations.
Legislative Oversight Sparks Crisis
Legislators acknowledged their failure to extend the protections during the recent session, with some calling the lapse a “crisis.” Representative Della Belatti, chair of the House Public Safety Committee, admitted the oversight and its implications for patients.
“This failure leaves patients with limited options, potentially forcing them into unsafe, unregulated black market avenues,” Belatti warned.
Lawmakers intend to address the issue in the 2025 session, but the governor’s executive action provides an immediate safety net.
Broader Cannabis Reforms on the Horizon?
Hawaii’s cannabis policy landscape remains in flux. While a Senate-passed bill to legalize recreational marijuana stalled in the House earlier this year, the state is exploring future reforms. Regulators recently sought proposals to evaluate the medical marijuana program and project demand for recreational cannabis sales.
Governor Green, a supporter of adult-use legalization, has taken proactive steps to prepare for potential changes. A new task force will draft legislation to expunge certain criminal records, including past marijuana convictions, in an effort to align Hawaii’s laws with evolving public attitudes.
Ongoing Advocacy for Patients and Caregivers
The executive order highlights a broader trend of policymakers stepping in to address gaps in cannabis regulation. For now, Hawaii’s medical marijuana caregivers can continue their work without fear of undue enforcement, ensuring that patients maintain access to the medicine they depend on.
This development also signals the state’s ongoing commitment to refining its cannabis policies, even as it grapples with legislative delays and administrative challenges.
