State: Hemp retailer and distributor registration enforcement to begin July 1

Hawaiʻi Department of Health and Hawaiʻi Department of the Attorney General begin statewide enforcement July 1 of the state’s hemp retailer and distributor registration requirements and existing hemp product compliance laws.

Registration information, guidance materials and compliance resources are available at the state Department of Health website.

The state conducted months of outreach and education to help businesses understand and comply with Hawaiʻi’s hemp laws, which requires all retailers and distributors of manufactured hemp products — including online and out-of-state sellers shipping products to Hawaiʻi — to register with Hawaiʻi Department of Health Office of Medical Cannabis Control and Regulation.

“Since the beginning of the year, our focus has been on outreach and voluntary compliance,” said Office of Medical Cannabis Control and Regulation Program Manager Andrew Goff in a state release. “Now that the grace period is ending, it is critical that all businesses ensure they are properly registered and that the products they are offering for sale meet Hawaiʻi’s requirements.”

Hawaiʻi Department of the Attorney General will support enforcement efforts through investigations and bringing actions to address ongoing violations that threaten consumer safety and undermine the regulated marketplace.

What affected businesses must do now

• Register with OMCCR as a hemp retailer or distributor.
• Review inventory for compliance with Hawaiʻi law, including:
  • THC limits.
  • Labeling and packaging requirements.
  • Prohibited product categories (including hemp flower, pre-rolls and vape products).
• Immediately remove or discontinue sale of noncompliant products.

Failure to comply could result in enforcement actions.

Enforcement

Hawaiʻi Department of Health and the Department of Hawaiʻi Attorney General are implementing a coordinated enforcement approach.

State health officials will handle registration compliance and administrative actions for registered hemp retailers and distributors, while personnel with the attorney general’s office will assist with investigations and enforcement against ongoing violations of the registration requirements.

Businesses that have not registered, or that continue to sell noncompliant hemp products, are subject to enforcement.

Enforcement actions might include:

• Fines and administrative penalties.
• Product embargo, seizure and destruction of noncompliant products.
• Civil actions to stop unlawful sales, including court-ordered injunctions.

Businesses that continue to operate in violation of Hawaiʻi law could be subject to escalated enforcement, including actions that can result in the closure of retail locations.

Property owners and landlords are also encouraged to ensure their tenants comply with state hemp laws. Properties used for ongoing unlawful sales could be subject to civil enforcement actions, and landlords might face legal consequences if violations persist on their premises.

Registration and resources

All businesses selling or distributing manufactured hemp products in Hawaiʻi, including online and out‑of‑state entities serving Hawaiʻi customers, must maintain an active Office of Medical Cannabis Control and Regulation registration.

A $50 fee covers a 5‑year registration period.

Hawaiʻi Department of Health Office of Medical Cannabis Control and Regulation will continue to provide educational materials and technical support for hemp businesses; however, all regulated entities are expected to be in full compliance with state law and registration requirements.