Honolulu, HI: Democratic Gov. Josh Green wants to have regulators amend the state’s medical cannabis program so that far more Hawaiians can obtain access to marijuana products.
Governor Green supports permitting physicians to issue medical cannabis recommendations to any patient who may benefit from it, regardless of whether they suffer from a state-specific qualifying condition. He hopes regulators can expand the program without requiring legislative action.
State lawmakers legalized medical cannabis access for qualified patients in 2000. Approximately 31,000 residents are registered with the state to access cannabis products.
In recent years, lawmakers in several states—including Maine and Virginia—have enacted legislation providing doctors with greater flexibility to issue medical cannabis authorizations. Last week, Delaware lawmakers advanced a similar bill to the Governor’s desk. If enacted, that legislation will also permit those 65 or older to self-certify for a registration card absent a doctor’s recommendation.
Additional information on pending legislation is available from NORML’s Take Action Center.