Hawaii’s Ban on Cannabis Caregivers and Large Grow Sites Sparks Outcry

Hawaii’s decision to ban cannabis caregivers and large community grow sites starting December 31 has sparked alarm among patients and advocates. For many medical cannabis users, caregivers have been a lifeline, growing plants for those unable to do so themselves.

This change will force thousands of patients, including the elderly and disabled, to either grow their own medicine or rely on dispensaries, which are often unaffordable or inaccessible. Lawmakers now acknowledge the unintended consequences of their oversight, with Rep. Della Belatti admitting, “It really was a failure that we did not address this impending deadline, and now we have the crisis upon us.”

A Critical Role: Caregivers and Community Grow Sites

Currently, registered caregivers can cultivate up to 10 cannabis plants for patients. These caregivers often operate in community grow sites like Care Waialua, the state’s largest facility, which serves as a shared space for cultivation expertise and recordkeeping.

Lorraine, a caregiver and patient, fears the ban will leave her without options. “If I can’t grow it here, I can’t grow it at home,” she said, expressing desperation over her inability to help her ailing mother.

Jason Hanely, founder of Care Waialua, highlights the broader implications: “Caregivers will no longer be able to help people grow, plain and simple. So, if you’re a handicapped person or bedridden, you have to grow your own medicine. There’s no caregiving for you.”

The Aftermath of Federal Scrutiny

Care Waialua has already seen a sharp decline in participation after a federal raid 14 months ago. Despite no charges being filed, the raid drove over 500 patients and caregivers away, pushing many toward the black market.

“They can’t afford dispensaries or they can’t get their medicine—it’s as simple as that,” Hanely said. He predicts the new ban will shut down grow sites like Care Waialua entirely.

Dispensaries: A Limited Solution

Dispensaries, touted as the alternative to caregiver-grown cannabis, present challenges of their own. Many patients find dispensaries cost-prohibitive or geographically inconvenient, particularly on islands where access is limited.

State Sen. Joy San Buenaventura pointed out the unique challenges faced by Oahu residents who live in condos and cannot cultivate cannabis at home. “They won’t be able to have that access, and that’s huge,” she said.

Black Market Concerns vs. Patient Needs

While law enforcement has expressed concerns that caregivers and grow sites contribute to the black market, advocates argue that the ban may exacerbate the issue. Patients deprived of legal, affordable options may turn to unregulated sources for their medicine.

Rep. Belatti emphasized the risks: “They’re left either to the black market, which we know is unregulated and untested and unsafe potentially. Now we’re faced with the situation, and we’re going to have to deal with it.”

Lawmakers Scramble to Reverse the Ban

Legislators are working to address the fallout from the looming ban. Both Belatti and San Buenaventura have pledged to push for a solution as soon as possible. However, the immediate impact of the December 31 deadline remains a pressing concern.

The ban on grow sites accommodating more than five patients will particularly affect urban communities, where individual cultivation is often impractical. Until lawmakers can reverse the policy, thousands of patients will face uncertainty about their access to medical cannabis.