Hemp retailers, distributors must register business with state of Hawai‘i starting in January

The state is launching an outreach and education initiative to encourage voluntary compliance with the upcoming registration requirements for hemp retailers and distributors, including online and out-of-state businesses.

This initiative is being led by the Hawaiʻi Department of Health Office of Medical Cannabis Control and Regulation, or OMCCR, in an effort to protect public health, ensure consumer transparency and maintain the integrity of the local hemp marketplace.

Act 269, which was signed into law on July 2, 2025, creates a state registry for retailers and distributors of manufactured hemp products. Act 269 requires all hemp businesses selling these products in Hawai‘i, including online sellers, to register with the OMCCR.

“The OMCCR recognizes that regulatory compliance can be complex, particularly for businesses that cross state lines or operate primarily online,” a news release from the Department of Health stated. “Our goal is to support responsible hemp retailing and distribution by providing clarity, resources and a pathway to lawful operations.”

The registration requirement takes effect on Jan. 1, 2026. A registration fee of $50 is good for five years. A link to the registration application will be provided on the OMCCR website beginning Jan. 1, 2026.

The OMCCR will focus on outreach and education throughout 2025 to help businesses prepare for the new registration process, the news release states. A grace period will follow the January 2026 effective date to allow time for businesses to complete registration before enforcement begins.

The Department of Health continues to enforce existing laws against the sale or distribution of illegal hemp-derived products that do not comply with state regulations. This includes the sale of prohibited products or products that fail to meet testing, packaging and labeling requirements. These violations may be subject to enforcement actions such as warning letters, product holds, or fines.

Beginning in 2026, after the grace period, the OMCCR and partner agencies may take enforcement actions against entities that fail to register or continue to sell products that do not meet DOH regulations.

Selling hemp-derived products that do not comply with the Department of Health regulations is illegal, jeopardizes consumer safety, undermines fair competition and creates enforcement challenges.

To assist hemp retailers and distributors in compliance, the OMCCR has published the following materials online at https://health.hawaii.gov/hempprogram/.

Ahead of the mandatory registration, the state advises retailers and distributors to do the following:

• Review all inventory and confirm hemp-derived products meet DOH regulations for allowable forms, cannabinoid limits, contaminant testing, labeling and packaging. It’s important to note that the law has always prohibited the sale of hemp flowers, hemp pre-rolls and hemp vapes.
• Update labels and packaging required by the state.

Retailers and distributors are also advised to subscribe to receive program updates about the registration application and other important information, subscribe using the following link.

For questions, contact the OMCCR at  doh.hemp@doh.hawaii.gov.