The 329 Registration Card, issued by the Hawaii Department of Health (DOH), grants qualified patients legal access to medical cannabis. This card permits patients to purchase, possess, and use cannabis products for medical purposes within the state. Securing this registration requires meeting specific residency and medical criteria, followed by an online application and certification process. Understanding these steps and the rules for compliance is necessary for participating in the state’s medical cannabis program.
General Eligibility Requirements
Eligibility for the 329 Registration Card requires legal status and residency within Hawaii. Applicants must prove residency, typically by providing a valid Hawaii State Identification Card or Driver’s License. The long-term 329 card is reserved for residents; non-residents and visitors use a separate, temporary process to access dispensaries.
Minors under 18 can qualify, but their application requires the consent and involvement of a parent or legal guardian. The guardian is registered as the patient’s caregiver, allowing them to assist with obtaining and administering the cannabis. All applicants must establish a bona fide patient-physician relationship with a practitioner licensed in Hawaii for the required medical certification.
Qualifying Medical Conditions
Hawaii’s medical cannabis law permits certification for specific medical conditions and symptoms. Qualifying diagnoses include:
- Cancer
- Glaucoma
- Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
- Acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS)
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Lupus
- Epilepsy
- Multiple sclerosis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
Patients may also qualify if they experience chronic symptoms resulting from a medical condition or its treatment. Covered symptoms include cachexia or wasting syndrome, severe pain, severe nausea, seizures, or severe and persistent muscle spasms. The certifying physician ultimately decides if the condition warrants the therapeutic use of cannabis.
The Certification and Application Procedure
The first step in the application process is for the patient to secure an appointment with a licensed physician or advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) in Hawaii who is authorized to issue medical cannabis certifications. During this medical evaluation, the practitioner reviews the patient’s history and confirms that a qualifying condition or symptom is present. The practitioner then enters the certification electronically into the DOH’s online registry system, which formally links the patient’s application to the medical approval.
Once the physician has initiated the certification, the patient must access the DOH online portal to complete their portion of the application. This requires the patient to create an account, upload a clear photo of their valid identification, and submit any necessary documentation to verify their residency. The patient is also responsible for paying the non-refundable state registration fee, which is typically $38.50 for a one-year card, plus a small administrative fee.
After the patient submits all required information and payment, the physician reviews the completed application and forwards it to the Department of Health for final processing. The DOH then reviews the entire submission, and upon approval, the patient will receive their 329 Registration Card, often as a digital copy, within a few business days to a few weeks. The official card is required for purchasing cannabis from any licensed dispensary in the state.
Managing Your Registration and Usage Guidelines
The 329 Registration Card requires a renewal process annually to maintain legal access to medical cannabis. To renew the card, patients must undergo a recertification evaluation with a licensed physician or APRN to confirm the ongoing presence of the qualifying medical condition. Renewal applicants may be eligible for a two-year registration if their condition is chronic and the certifying provider recommends it.
Registered patients are subject to specific limits on the amount of cannabis they can possess and purchase. The law permits patients to possess up to four ounces of usable cannabis collectively with their caregiver. Qualified patients or their caregivers are allowed to cultivate up to ten cannabis plants, but this cultivation site must be registered with the Department of Health and kept in an enclosed area. The 329 card is valid only within the state of Hawaii, meaning it does not grant legal protection for possessing or using cannabis when traveling outside of the state.