Weed in Honolulu: What You Need to Know

Honolulu, the capital of Hawaii, has a complex relationship with cannabis. While medical marijuana is legal and regulated, recreational use remains illegal under state law. However, Hawaii has decriminalized small amounts of weed, reducing penalties for possession. As legalization efforts gain momentum across the country, many wonder if Honolulu could soon see changes in its cannabis laws.

Is Weed Legal in Honolulu?

Recreational Marijuana – Illegal but Decriminalized

Hawaii has not yet legalized recreational cannabis, meaning that buying, selling, or using weed for fun is still against the law. However, in 2020, the state decriminalized possession of small amounts, reducing criminal penalties.

Possession of up to 3 grams results in a $130 fine instead of jail time.
Anything over 3 grams but under 1 ounce could still lead to misdemeanor charges, including up to 30 days in jail and a $1,000 fine.
Selling or growing weed without a license is a felony and carries severe penalties.

While these laws are strict compared to fully legalized states like California or Colorado, the reduced penalties mark a step toward more relaxed cannabis laws in Honolulu.

Medical Marijuana – Legal in Hawaii

Hawaii legalized medical marijuana in 2000, but dispensaries did not open until 2017. Honolulu residents with a qualifying condition can legally purchase and use cannabis for medical purposes.

Patients must obtain a Hawaii Medical Cannabis Registry Card from the state.
Medical marijuana is only available from licensed dispensaries.
Approved forms include flower, edibles, tinctures, and concentrates—but smoking in public remains illegal.

Popular dispensaries in Honolulu include:

Aloha Green Apothecary
Cure Oahu
Noa Botanicals

Qualifying conditions for a medical marijuana card include chronic pain, PTSD, cancer, epilepsy, and other serious illnesses.

Can You Smoke Weed in Public in Honolulu?

No. Public cannabis consumption is illegal, even for medical marijuana users.

Smoking or vaping weed in public can result in fines and possible legal trouble.
Most hotels and resorts ban cannabis use on their property.
Hawaii has strict DUI laws, and driving under the influence of marijuana can lead to severe penalties.

To avoid issues, medical users should consume cannabis privately in their homes.

What About CBD and Delta-8 THC?

Hawaii allows the sale of hemp-derived CBD, which is available in stores across Honolulu. However, the state banned Delta-8 THC in 2021 due to its psychoactive effects.

CBD is legal and widely available in oils, gummies, and topicals.
Delta-8 is illegal, so any products containing it are not legally sold in Honolulu.

The Future of Cannabis in Honolulu

Hawaii lawmakers have introduced several bills to legalize recreational marijuana, but none have passed yet. If the state eventually legalizes weed, Honolulu could see:

Adult-use dispensaries selling cannabis to people 21 and over.
Tax revenue from marijuana sales, benefiting the local economy.
A reduced black market, making cannabis safer and more accessible.

For now, residents and visitors must follow the current laws, but change could be on the horizon.

Final Thoughts

Honolulu has legal medical marijuana and has decriminalized small amounts of weed, but recreational cannabis remains illegal. While dispensaries exist for medical users, those without a medical card must be cautious. As Hawaii continues debating legalization, Honolulu could one day become a cannabis-friendly destination—but for now, strict laws remain in place.

weed in Honolulu