Is Weed legal in Waikiki, Hawaii?

Flora & Fauna, Your Q & A’s - Waikiki

Know the facts to avoid fines or Jail!

In Hawaii, recreational marijuana (weed) remains illegal, but medical marijuana is legal under certain conditions. Waikiki, as part of the state of Hawaii, follows these laws. It’s crucial to understand what is allowed and what isn’t to avoid legal trouble during your visit.

What is Allowed:

  1. Medical Marijuana:
  • Only registered medical marijuana patients are allowed to possess and use marijuana. This includes residents of Hawaii and qualifying out-of-state patients who have obtained a Hawaii medical marijuana card.
  • Patients can possess up to 4 ounces of usable marijuana at a time.
  1. Out-of-State Medical Marijuana Patients:
  • Visitors from other states can apply for a temporary 329-V medical marijuana card, which allows them to purchase marijuana from Hawaii’s licensed dispensaries. The card is valid for 60 days, and patients can reapply for a new card after that period.
  1. Private Use Only:
  • Even for medical marijuana patients, marijuana use is allowed only in private residences. It is illegal to use marijuana in public spaces, including beaches, parks, hotels, and cars.

What is Not Allowed:

  1. Recreational Use:
  • Recreational marijuana use is prohibited. If you are not a registered medical marijuana patient, it is illegal to possess, use, or distribute marijuana.
  1. Public Consumption:
  • It is illegal to consume marijuana in public, even for medical marijuana patients. This includes all outdoor areas like Waikiki Beach, public parks, sidewalks, restaurants, bars, and hotel rooms that do not explicitly allow it.
  1. Driving Under the Influence:
  • Driving under the influence of marijuana is illegal and carries severe penalties. Law enforcement can charge you with a DUI if they believe you are impaired, regardless of whether the marijuana use is medical.
  1. Transporting Marijuana Between Islands:
  • Even if you are a medical marijuana patient, it is illegal to transport marijuana between the Hawaiian islands. Doing so can result in federal charges because transporting marijuana across state or federal jurisdictions is against U.S. law.

Consequences of Breaking Marijuana Laws:

  • Possession Without a Medical Card:
  • If you are caught with less than 3 grams of marijuana and you don’t have a medical marijuana card, it is a civil violation. You may face a fine of up to $130. For more than 3 grams, you could face criminal penalties, including arrest, jail time, and higher fines.
  • Public Use:
  • Even for medical users, public use is prohibited. Being caught using marijuana in public can result in fines and possibly criminal charges.
  • Driving Under the Influence:
  • If caught driving while impaired by marijuana, you can be charged with a DUI, which carries severe penalties such as fines, license suspension, community service, and potentially jail time.
  • Federal Laws:
  • Marijuana is still illegal under federal law. Since Hawaii is part of the U.S., federal authorities can enforce federal laws, especially in places like airports and national parks.

Legal Purchase of Marijuana in Waikiki

To legally purchase marijuana in Waikiki or anywhere in Hawaii, you must:

  1. Have a valid Hawaii 329 medical marijuana card or a temporary 329-V card for out-of-state patients.
  2. Be at least 18 years old, or have a registered caregiver if you are under 18.
  3. Buy from a licensed medical marijuana dispensary. Recreational dispensaries do not exist, as recreational marijuana remains illegal.

Requirements for Purchasing Medical Marijuana:

  • Valid Hawaii ID or driver’s license (or out-of-state ID if you have a 329-V card).
  • Your 329 medical marijuana card or the 329-V card for visitors.

5 Legal Medical Marijuana Retailers Near Waikiki

  1. Aloha Green Apothecary
  • Address: 1314 S King St Suite G1, Honolulu, HI 96814
  • Hours: Monday – Saturday: 10:30 AM – 7:00 PM, Sunday: 10:30 AM – 4:00 PM
  • Description: Located just a short drive from Waikiki, Aloha Green offers a variety of cannabis products for medical patients.
  1. Cure Oahu
  • Address: 727 Kapahulu Ave, Honolulu, HI 96816
  • Hours: Monday – Saturday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM, Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Description: Situated near Diamond Head, this dispensary provides a range of flower, tinctures, and edibles for medical users.
  1. Noa Botanicals
  • Address: 1308 Young St, Honolulu, HI 96814
  • Hours: Monday – Saturday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM, Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Description: Known for their knowledgeable staff and high-quality cannabis products, Noa Botanicals is a top choice for medical users.
  1. Hawaiian Ethos
  • Address: 1136 Union Mall, Honolulu, HI 96813
  • Hours: Monday – Saturday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM, Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Description: Located downtown, Hawaiian Ethos offers a variety of sustainable cannabis products.
  1. Pono Life Maui (Delivery Service)
  • Address: Delivery Service to Oahu
  • Hours: Monday – Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Description: While based on Maui, Pono Life offers delivery services to registered medical marijuana patients on Oahu.

Important Disclaimer:

This information is provided for educational purposes only. It is important to stay informed about Hawaii’s local marijuana laws during your visit. We cannot be held accountable for any legal issues that may arise if visitors engage in activities that are considered illegal under local, state, or federal laws. Always consult local laws and regulations before purchasing or using marijuana in Waikiki or elsewhere in Hawaii.

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