A recent independent economic analysis commissioned by the Hawaiʻi Department of Health (DOH) Office of Medical Cannabis Control and Regulation (OMCCR) has found that the state’s medical cannabis program is strong and widely used. The report, conducted by Cannabis Public Policy Consulting, examined both the current performance of Hawaiʻi’s regulated medical cannabis system and considered possible impacts of a future adult-use cannabis market.
According to the findings, Hawaiʻi’s medical cannabis system accounts for about 86 to 87 percent of all cannabis spending by registered patients. Monthly sales in the medical program are estimated at $5.3 million, making it the main source of cannabis for those enrolled in the program.
The analysis also estimates that total demand for cannabis in Hawaiʻi from all sources ranges between $17 million and $32 million per month. While expanding to an adult-use market could generate new tax revenue, OMCCR noted that such gains should be balanced against public health costs and maintaining a well-regulated industry. The department cautioned that greater availability could lead to increased use overall, which may result in higher rates of cannabis use disorder, drug-impaired driving, and youth exposure. Continued investment in prevention, education, treatment, and safety initiatives was recommended as necessary to reduce preventable harms and protect vulnerable groups like youth.
“We are pleased with the report’s findings highlighting the strength and performance of Hawaiʻi’s medical cannabis program,” said OMCCR Program Manager Andrew Goff. “Any expansion beyond medical use must account for the real costs of safeguarding public health. Revenue generated should be directed toward substance use treatment, mental health services and comprehensive public education, as well as investments in the emerging cannabis industry, including workforce development and social equity initiatives.”
The DOH plays a central role in promoting community well-being through programs such as health education on vaccination and disease outbreaks via its Disease Outbreak Control Division (https://health.hawaii.gov/). The department is also responsible for efforts aimed at disease prevention, environmental protection, and improving overall health conditions for residents (https://health.hawaii.gov/). It operates under a director with support from deputy directors who manage key programs (https://health.hawaii.gov/), extending services across multiple islands (https://health.hawaii.gov/).
The full independent report on Hawai‘i’s current medical and potential future adult-use cannabis market is available online: Current Medical and Future Adult-Use Cannabis Market in Hawai‘i.
