Despite Hawaii’s 8 designated and licensed dispensaries having already identified their storefront location and respective cultivation sites, most medical marijuana grows are in a temporary holding pattern – thanks in part to technical deficiencies within the state medical marijuana program.
The main problem seems to be replicating a Colorado-like seed to sale program, as currently mandated by the federal government. Demonstrating a firm grip of the obvious, Keith Ridley of the State of Hawaii Department of Health notes:
“It’s very important that we get this software tracking system up and running as quickly as possible.”
Also of major concern for those looking to cultivate Hawaii’s first medical marijuana crop, there are currently no state-sanctioned medical marijuana testing facilities — a serious issue according to the Department of Health:
“This includes statewide oversight of the laboratories that test the safety and quality of the marijuana and manufactured marijuana products, and onsite inspections and monitoring of licensed dispensaries that grow, manufacture, and sell medical marijuana products to qualifying patients.”
According to the News & Observer, “A panel overseeing the rollout of Hawaii’s medical marijuana dispensaries got an update on the development of the system Wednesday. Most of the licensees have received zoning approval for their retail locations, and one is ready to begin cultivating plants, according to the Department of Health. Some dispensary owners have said they’d be ready to open around the New Year.”
As the old axiom goes, “better late than never.” While Hawaii first legalized medical marijuana in 2000, it’s only now getting close to allowing these eight dispensaries to operate.
Oahu:
- Aloha Green Holdings Inc.
- Manoa Botanicals LLC.
- TCG Retro Market 1 LLC.
Hawaii island:
- Hawaiian Ethos LLC.
- Lau Ola LLC.
Maui:
- Maui Wellness Group LLC.
- Pono Life Sciences Maui LLC.
Kauai:
- Green Aloha Ltd.
Pomaikaʻi! Maikaʻi Pomaikaʻi!
BY MONTEREY BUD ON