HB2729 Summary

• Establishes reciprocity program allowing out-of-state medical cannabis patients to register with Hawaii Department of Health for 60-day periods (renewable once within 12 months) and purchase cannabis from licensed dispensaries; requires valid out-of-state medical card, photographic ID, and $45 registration fee.

• Allows physicians and advanced practice registered nurses to establish bona fide patient relationships via telehealth for medical cannabis certification, provided initial consultation is conducted in-person.

• Extends validity period of written medical cannabis certifications from one year to up to three years for patients with chronic debilitating conditions, as determined by treating provider.

• Permits dispensary licensees to retest cannabis batches that fail initial safety testing at their own expense and allows department to determine results if different laboratories yield different outcomes.

• Allows dispensaries to distribute devices for safe pulmonary cannabis administration and increases tetrahydrocannabinol limit in certain manufactured cannabis products from 100 to 1,000 milligrams per container.

• Limits employment disqualifications to individuals convicted of murder, class A/B felonies, or class C felonies involving drug trafficking (within 10 years), rather than all felony convictions.