Marijuana Cultivation and Growing Regulations in Hawaii

What Are The Cultivation Regulations For Marijuana in Hawaii?

In Hawaii, it is illegal to cultivate marijuana plants for personal use, even for medical purposes. Possession of 7 or more marijuana plants is a Class C felony punishable by up to 5 years in prison and fines of up to $10,000. Cultivating marijuana plants even for medical use is illegal. However, licensed medical marijuana dispensaries may grow and sell marijuana to qualifying patients. In order to be eligible for a medical marijuana license in Hawaii, an individual must have a valid medical marijuana card.

How Many Plants Can I Legally Grow For Personal Use in Hawaii?

Under Hawaii’s medical marijuana law, patients who possess a valid medical marijuana card are able to legally grow up to seven plants for personal use. Patients who do not have a medical marijuana card may not legally grow any plants for personal use.

Is There A Difference In Cultivation Rules Between Medical And Recreational Marijuana in Hawaii?

Yes, there is a difference in cultivation rules between medical and recreational marijuana in Hawaii. In Hawaii, it is illegal to cultivate marijuana for recreational use. However, medical marijuana patients, caregivers, and dispensaries are allowed to cultivate marijuana for medical use. The Department of Health requires medical marijuana patients and caregivers to register with them and to follow the rules laid out in the state’s medical marijuana program. These include following security and sanitation protocols, providing proof of proper identification, and registering cultivation sites with the Department of Health. Recreational marijuana users are not allowed to cultivate any cannabis plants in Hawaii.

Are There Specific Zoning Requirements For Marijuana Cultivation Sites in Hawaii?

Yes. The Hawaii Department of Health, Medical Cannabis Dispensary Program (MCD) has established specific zoning requirements for marijuana cultivation sites in the state. The following requirements must be met in order for a site to be eligible for a permit:

• Cultivation sites must be located in an agricultural or industrial zone, as designated by the county.

• Sites must be at least 750 feet away from public or private schools, parks, playgrounds and other youth-oriented facilities.

• Sites must be at least 500 feet away from residential areas, including housing developments and mobile home parks.

• Sites must have adequate security measures in place (e.g. fences, cameras, etc.).

• Sites must have odor control systems installed to reduce the smell of cannabis during cultivation.

What Permits And Licenses Are Required For Commercial Marijuana Cultivation in Hawaii?

In order to cultivate commercial marijuana in Hawaii, you must first obtain a valid medical cannabis dispensary license. To obtain a valid license, you must have the following permits and licenses:

1. A medical marijuana dispensary permit from the Hawaii Department of Health;

2. A business registration certificate from the Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs;

3. A site plan approval from the local county planning department;

4. A building permit from the local county building department;

5. A Certificate of Occupancy from the local county building department;

6. Any applicable city or county business licenses;

7. An approved security plan from the Department of Public Safety; and
8. A certificate of good standing from the Department of Taxation.

Are There Limitations On The Size And Scale Of Marijuana Cultivation Operations in Hawaii?

Yes, there are limits on the size and scale of marijuana cultivation operations in Hawaii. There is a maximum of three licenses per entity, and each license can only cover a single marijuana growing site. The maximum acreage allowed is three acres for medical marijuana and two acres for recreational marijuana. Additionally, only outdoor operations are allowed in Hawaii.

What Environmental Regulations Apply To Marijuana Cultivation, Such As Water Usage And Pesticide Use, in Hawaii?

Water Usage:
* The Department of Health’s Medical Use of Cannabis Program requires licensed dispensaries and cultivators to have water and wastewater management plans in place to ensure that all water used is properly monitored and tracked. Additionally, the Department of Land & Natural Resources has implemented special conditions for medical marijuana cultivators, including the requirement to identify and report their water sources, as well as any water diversions, storage, and discharge from the facility.

Pesticide Use:
* The Department of Agriculture has adopted the federal requirements for the use of pesticides in marijuana cultivation in Hawaii. These regulations prohibit the use of prohibited pesticides or restricted-use pesticides, and require that all pesticide applications be done in accordance with label instructions. Additionally, licensed dispensaries and cultivators must provide records to the Department of Agriculture regarding all pesticide applications.

How Are Security And Surveillance Requirements Enforced For Marijuana Cultivation Facilities in Hawaii?

In Hawaii, marijuana cultivation facilities are required to have video surveillance systems in place that allow 24/7 monitoring by the state’s Department of Health. The Department of Health requires that all marijuana cultivation facilities adhere to strict security and surveillance protocols, which include securing all entrances and exits, installing appropriate lighting, and monitoring all activity through video surveillance. Surveillance footage must be stored for at least 90 days, allowing the Department of Health to review footage as needed. The Department of Health also requires that cultivation facilities use only approved pesticides and follow approved safety protocols. All employees must be trained in safety protocols and must undergo background checks. Additionally, marijuana cultivation facilities must submit plans for emergency response protocols in the event of a security breach or other incident.

Are There Restrictions On The Use Of Artificial Lighting And Energy Consumption In Indoor Cultivation in Hawaii?

Yes, there are restrictions on the use of artificial lighting and energy consumption in indoor cultivation in Hawaii. According to Hawaii’s Department of Health, the use of artificial lighting and power consumption are both subject to certain restrictions. For example, lighting must not exceed 600 watts, and energy must not exceed 1.7 watts per square foot. Additionally, any additional energy generated must be offset by an equivalent amount of energy produced from renewable sources like solar or wind. Furthermore, an indoor cultivation facility must be equipped with energy-saving measures such as timers and motion sensors.

What Are The Rules Regarding Outdoor Marijuana Cultivation, Including Fencing And Odor Control, in Hawaii?

The rules regarding outdoor marijuana cultivation in Hawaii vary depending on the county. Generally, fencing and odor control requirements are set by the county government. For example, in Honolulu County, all outdoor cultivation sites must be enclosed by a 6-foot-high fence to ensure public safety and to prevent unauthorized access. The fence should also be properly constructed to ensure odor control. Additionally, outdoor cultivation sites must be equipped with odor control systems, such as carbon filters or other methods, to ensure that odors from the plants are not noticeable beyond the boundaries of the property.

Do I Need To Register My Cultivation Site With The State Regulatory Agency in Hawaii?

Yes, you must register your cultivation site with the State Department of Health’s Office of Health Care Assurance in order to legally cultivate cannabis in Hawaii. There is an application process that must be completed and all applicable laws must be followed.

Are There Inspections And Compliance Checks For Marijuana Cultivation Sites in Hawaii?

Yes. The Hawai’i Department of Health inspects and monitors all medical marijuana dispensaries and cultivation sites in the state to ensure compliance with state law. In addition, the Hawai’i Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services conducts inspections of medical marijuana operations and related activities in accordance with the state’s rules and regulations.

Can I Sell My Homegrown Marijuana To Dispensaries Or Other Individuals in Hawaii?

It is illegal to buy, sell, or otherwise distribute marijuana in the state of Hawaii. The possession and use of marijuana is still considered a crime in the state of Hawaii, and it is illegal to buy, sell, or otherwise distribute marijuana in the state.

What Is The Process For Obtaining A License To Cultivate And Sell Marijuana Seeds in Hawaii?

In order to cultivate and sell marijuana seeds in Hawaii, you must first obtain a license from the Hawaii Department of Health’s Medical Marijuana Dispensary Program. The application process includes completing a license application, providing proof of residency and experience in cannabis-related activities, submitting fingerprints for a criminal background check, submitting financial documents, and obtaining a business permit from the county in which you wish to operate. Upon approval, the licensee must submit a $2,000 non-refundable application fee and an additional $5,000 licensing fee to the Department of Health. You must also complete any required training courses and inspections before you can legally cultivate and sell marijuana seeds in Hawaii.

Are There Restrictions On The Use Of Chemicals And Pesticides In Marijuana Cultivation in Hawaii?

Yes, there are restrictions on the use of chemicals and pesticides in marijuana cultivation in Hawaii. The Medical Cannabis Dispensary Program (MCD) and Department of Health (DOH) have enacted specific regulations to ensure that medical cannabis production is conducted safely and in compliance with federal, state and local laws. For example, the use of chemical fertilizers, insecticides and fungicides is prohibited. No other agrochemicals may be used on medical cannabis plants or products without prior DOH approval. Furthermore, any pesticide product used on medical cannabis must be registered with the Federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

How Do Cultivation Regulations Address Environmental Sustainability And Conservation in Hawaii?

Cultivation regulations in Hawaii are designed to ensure that the state’s environment and natural resources are protected. To this end, the state has established a variety of laws and regulations that aim to promote environmental sustainability and conservation. These include requirements for water conservation, land management, and erosion control. Additionally, all marijuana cultivation operations must comply with the State’s Department of Agriculture pest management regulations. The Department of Health also requires that all marijuana producers meet Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) standards for food safety. Finally, all growers must comply with the most recent version of the Hawaii Department of Agriculture’s Plant Quarantine Rules and Regulations which outlines best practices to minimize potential environmental harm.

Are There Buffer Zones Or Distance Requirements Between Cultivation Sites And Sensitive Areas Like Schools in Hawaii?

Yes. Hawaii’s Department of Health requires a one mile buffer zone between any marijuana or hemp cultivation site and any school, day care center, public playground, public park, or youth center.

What Penalties Or Consequences Can Growers Face For Violations Of Cultivation Regulations in Hawaii?

Penalties and consequences for violations of cultivation regulations in Hawaii can include fines, revocation of license, criminal prosecution, and asset forfeiture. Depending on the severity of the violation, these penalties and consequences may be severe. Additionally, the state may take away the rights of a grower to conduct any form of cannabis-related activity or access state programs related to cannabis. Lastly, it is possible that penalties can include jail time.

Do Cultivation Regulations Include Provisions For Waste Disposal And Recycling in Hawaii?

Yes, the Hawaii Department of Agriculture’s Cultivation Regulations include provisions for waste disposal and recycling. The Cultivation Regulations specifically address the issue of pesticide disposal, proper disposal of harvest and crop waste, and the safe disposal of spent growing media. The regulations also provide guidelines for setting up a recycling program for plastic containers, soil, and other materials.

Where Can I Find Official Resources And Guidance On Marijuana Cultivation Regulations in Hawaii?

The Department of Health in Hawaii has published a cultivation guide for medical marijuana, which outlines the requirements for cultivation in the state. This includes information on licensing, security plans, and other guidelines. The Cannabis Policy & Law Group and the Drug Policy Forum of Hawaii also provide guidance on marijuana cultivation regulations in the state.