The substance cannabidiol (CBD) may come from the marijuana plant, but for many people, it’s an entirely different medicine. This compound treats a wide range of symptoms without a high. Because of this lack of psychoactive effects, it sometimes falls under different rules than cannabis. Hawaii has somewhat separate but intersecting laws on CBD and marijuana medicine.
The majority of CBD medicine in Hawaii falls under its medical marijuana program. Any part of the marijuana plant and most extracts that include the psychoactive compound THC count as controlled substances. So, CBD extracted from marijuana goes in medicinal cannabis dispensaries. Since Hawaii doesn’t have recreational marijuana, you must become a patient to buy marijuana-based CBD.
However, Hawaii also has hemp laws that put some kinds of cannabis plants in a different category. Under the industrial hemp pilot program rules, a plant with less than 0.3 percent THC counts as hemp, not marijuana. This definition matches the distinctions made in many other states. Ambiguity in federal laws also gives CBD shops room to sell the compound without needing a recommendation.
While you may find CBD products at your nearest wellness store, joining the medical marijuana program gives you more benefits. You get more legal protections and access to quality-tested medicine. Patients with conditions like the following can sign up:
Read our guide to Hawaii patient qualification to discover more eligible health problems. Hawaii approves of many conditions found in other states’ programs.
While many states require you to visit a doctor before applying, Hawaii needs you to apply before seeing a physician. Follow these steps to ensure a successful application:
When you decide to medicate with marijuana-based CBD, you choose to become a registered patient. While this process takes more effort than buying hemp oil, you also get access to a broader variety of medicine. But, we understand not everybody qualifies for the program. No matter what you choose, get a doctor’s help for the best treatment.