The state Department of Health has announced a new initiative aimed at encouraging hemp product retailers and distributors to comply with state regulations that are set to take effect in 2026.
The program seeks to protect public health and improve consumer transparency in the state’s hemp marketplace.
Under Act 269, signed into law July 2, all businesses selling manufactured consumable hemp products in Hawaii — both local and out-of-state sellers — must register with DOH starting Jan. 1. A $50 registration fee will cover a five-year period, and businesses can access the online registration application via the DOH website beginning in January.
Currently, DOH does not track the number of hemp businesses operating in Hawaii, and some products sold do not meet the state’s standards for testing, labeling, packaging or THC content. The new registration system aims to help consumers identify businesses that are compliant with state regulations and improve product safety.
A manager at Hempire-Co Hawaii in downtown Hilo offered an optimistic outlook about the new regulations.
“For the people that are legit, everything is fine now,” said the manager, who asked that his name not be published. “We can stay in business. That’s the main thing.”
He did, however, express caution regarding the full extent of the changes, as there remains some uncertainty due to the psychoactive properties of some hemp-derived products.
“It’s just a little bit sketchy, though, because we are still learning about everything this year,” he explained. “We are trying to figure out what is going to happen next year.”
DOH plans to conduct outreach and education through the end of the year to help businesses prepare for the upcoming requirements. A grace period will follow the Jan. 1 implementation date, allowing businesses time to complete their registration before enforcement begins.
The Office of Medical Cannabis Control and Regulation, which oversees Hawaii’s hemp program, has already begun outreach to the hemp industry. Officials said they have sent informational emails to hemp processors and businesses about recent changes to laws and compliance requirements, issued a statewide news release and last week hosted an introductory information session via Zoom.
Additional sessions, feedback opportunities on proposed rule changes and detailed compliance guidance are planned in the months leading up to implementation.
Businesses that fail to comply with the registration requirement or continue to sell noncompliant products after the grace period could face fines or other enforcement actions. Property owners with tenants found to be in violation could also face fines, liens or injunctions under applicable laws.
DOH already has been enforcing laws against the sale of illegal hemp products, including those that do not meet required testing or labeling standards.
Businesses seeking more information or resources about compliance can visit the DOH’s hemp program website at health.hawaii.gov/hempprogram.
Source: The Garden Island