Author: Dale HewettTL;DR – Yes, hemp-derived CBD is legal in Hawaii. The state has established its own hemp program aligned with the 2018 Farm Bill, and residents can legally buy, possess, and use CBD products containing no more than 0.3% delta-9 THC without a prescription or medical card. Hawaii’s regulatory framework is well-developed and consumer-friendly for hemp CBD.
Hawaii’s Hemp and CBD Legal History
Hawaii has a long and nuanced relationship with cannabis policy, being one of the first states to legalize medical marijuana back in 2000. When it comes to hemp specifically, Hawaii moved to create a formal hemp program following the passage of the federal Agricultural Improvement Act of 2018, commonly known as the 2018 Farm Bill. That legislation redefined hemp at the federal level as cannabis containing no more than 0.3% delta-9 THC on a dry weight basis and removed it from the Controlled Substances Act.
Hawaii enacted Senate Bill 2859 in 2020, establishing its state industrial hemp program under the Hawaii Department of Agriculture. The law brought Hawaii into compliance with the federal framework, allowing licensed growers, processors, and retailers to operate within the state. Prior to this, Hawaii had a limited hemp pilot program for research purposes, but the 2020 legislation opened the door for a true commercial hemp industry.
For consumers, the result is clear: hemp-derived CBD products — oils, tinctures, gummies, capsules, topicals, and similar items — are legal to purchase and use in Hawaii without any special authorization. You do not need a medical marijuana card or a prescription to buy CBD in the Aloha State.
The Federal Foundation: Why Hemp CBD Is Legal
Hawaii’s hemp law builds on the federal framework created by the 2018 Farm Bill (7 U.S.C. § 1639o). Under that statute, hemp is defined as the plant Cannabis sativa L. and any part of that plant, including its derivatives, extracts, cannabinoids, and isomers, provided the delta-9 THC concentration does not exceed 0.3% on a dry weight basis. CBD (cannabidiol) is a naturally occurring cannabinoid in hemp and is therefore legal when derived from compliant hemp plants.
The removal of hemp from Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act was the pivotal change that enabled a nationwide hemp CBD market. Federal agencies including the DEA and state law enforcement agencies recognize hemp-derived CBD as distinct from marijuana. This federal underpinning gives the Hawaiian hemp industry — and Hawaiian consumers — a stable legal foundation.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration continues to oversee CBD in food and dietary supplements and has not yet established a formal regulatory pathway for hemp-derived CBD as a dietary supplement ingredient, aside from the prescription medication Epidiolex. In practice, enforcement of these federal food rules has been limited, and CBD products are widely sold throughout Hawaii in all formats.
Hawaii State Hemp Law: The Details
Hawaii’s industrial hemp program, administered by the Hawaii Department of Agriculture under Hawaii Revised Statutes Chapter 328G, sets out licensing requirements for cultivators and processors. Licensed operators must grow only approved hemp varieties, conduct required testing to confirm THC compliance, and maintain records for regulatory review. The program reflects a serious commitment to building a legitimate, regulated industry.
On the consumer side, Hawaii does not require CBD buyers to register with the state or obtain any special permits. Products must be derived from licensed hemp and comply with the 0.3% THC threshold. Labels must accurately represent the product’s contents, and responsible retailers ensure their products come with third-party Certificates of Analysis confirming CBD potency and THC compliance.
Hawaii also maintains a separate Medical Cannabis Dispensary Program for patients with qualifying conditions, and adult-use cannabis legalization has been an ongoing legislative discussion in recent years. These programs are entirely separate from the hemp CBD framework. The key distinction remains the THC content: hemp CBD products contain negligible THC and are legal for all adults, while medical and recreational cannabis products are subject to the state’s cannabis licensing and patient registration systems.
Delta-8 THC and Novel Hemp Cannabinoids in Hawaii
The hemp industry has expanded well beyond CBD in recent years. Delta-8 THC, delta-10 THC, THCV, CBG, CBN, and other cannabinoids derived from hemp have become popular. In Hawaii, these compounds exist in a somewhat unsettled legal space. The state’s hemp program is focused primarily on delta-9 THC limits, and as of this writing Hawaii has not enacted specific legislation banning delta-8 THC or other hemp-derived cannabinoids that do not exceed the federal 0.3% delta-9 THC threshold.
However, Hawaii has been attentive to evolving cannabis policy, and the regulatory environment may change. Consumers interested in delta-8 or similar products should verify the current legal status and, as always, purchase only from brands that provide transparent third-party lab results confirming cannabinoid content and the absence of harmful contaminants.
Where to Buy CBD in Hawaii
Hemp-derived CBD is available throughout Hawaii’s islands. You can find products at dedicated CBD and wellness retailers, natural health stores, some pharmacies, farmers markets, and an expanding number of general retailers. Hawaii also has a notable wellness culture that has embraced CBD as part of a healthy lifestyle, and products are commonly found in yoga studios, spas, and supplement shops.
Online shopping is fully legal for Hawaii residents. You can order hemp CBD products from mainland U.S. retailers and have them shipped to any Hawaiian island. As with in-person purchases, the most important thing to look for is a third-party Certificate of Analysis that confirms CBD content and verifies that delta-9 THC is within the 0.3% legal limit. New Phase Blends makes COAs readily available for all of its products, so you always know exactly what you are receiving.
Product Categories: What Is Available in Hawaii
Hawaii consumers have access to the full range of hemp CBD product formats available elsewhere in the country. CBD oils and tinctures remain among the most popular options due to their versatility and dosing precision. Gummies and capsules are convenient for consistent daily use. Topical products such as balms, creams, and salves are widely used for targeted application, and they are legal without restriction since they do not significantly enter the bloodstream.
CBD beverages and food products are also sold in Hawaii, though this category occupies a federal gray area. The FDA has not finalized rules permitting CBD in food sold in interstate commerce, but enforcement has been minimal and CBD-infused products are openly sold in retail settings across the state. Consumers should be aware of this regulatory context, particularly if they have concerns about food safety compliance.
Hemp CBD products designed for pets — dogs in particular — are also available and legal under the same hemp framework. If you are considering CBD for a pet, consulting with a veterinarian familiar with hemp products is always a good first step.
Traveling to Hawaii With CBD
Because Hawaii is accessible only by air or sea, travel questions are especially relevant for visitors. TSA guidelines allow passengers to carry hemp-derived CBD products containing no more than 0.3% THC in both carry-on and checked luggage. Travelers flying to Hawaii from the mainland with legal hemp CBD products are generally not subject to legal risk under federal law, though practical awareness of your product’s compliance is always helpful.
If you are traveling between the Hawaiian islands on inter-island flights, the same TSA rules apply. Hawaii’s airports are under federal TSA jurisdiction, and compliant hemp CBD products are permitted. As always, keeping products in their original labeled packaging is the simplest way to demonstrate compliance if ever asked.
For travelers coming from international destinations, the situation is more complex. Hemp CBD may not be legal in the country of origin, and customs inspections could create complications. International travelers should research the laws of their home country and avoid carrying CBD products when there is any ambiguity.
Frequently Asked Questions About CBD in Hawaii
Do I need a medical card to buy CBD in Hawaii?
No. Hemp-derived CBD is available to any adult in Hawaii without a medical card or prescription. You can purchase it at retail stores, wellness shops, and online without any special authorization.
What is the legal THC limit for CBD products in Hawaii?
Under both federal law and Hawaii’s hemp statute, a product must contain no more than 0.3% delta-9 THC on a dry weight basis to qualify as hemp. Products above this threshold fall under Hawaii’s medical or recreational cannabis laws and require appropriate licensing and registration.
Can I bring CBD on a plane to Hawaii?
Yes. TSA permits hemp-derived CBD products that comply with federal law (no more than 0.3% delta-9 THC) in carry-on and checked baggage. Keep your products in their original labeled packaging for ease of identification.
Is CBD legal on all Hawaiian islands?
Yes. Hawaii’s hemp CBD laws apply statewide across all islands, including Oahu, Maui, the Big Island, and Kauai. There are no island-specific restrictions on hemp-derived CBD.
How do I know if a CBD product is legal in Hawaii?
The most reliable way to verify compliance is to review the product’s Certificate of Analysis from a third-party laboratory. A COA will confirm the CBD content and verify that delta-9 THC is within the 0.3% legal limit. It also typically includes testing for heavy metals, pesticides, and microbial contaminants, giving you a complete picture of the product’s quality and safety.
Related State CBD Law Guides
CBD regulations vary from state to state. If you are researching hemp-derived CBD laws in a neighboring or comparable state, the following guides cover similar ground. For a complete federal overview, see our guide to federal hemp law in the United States.
Explore: CBD Laws in California | CBD Laws in Alaska
References
Agricultural Improvement Act of 2018, Pub. L. No. 115-334, 7 U.S.C. § 1639o (2018). Hemp farming. https://www.congress.gov/bill/115th-congress/house-bill/2
Hawaii Revised Statutes Chapter 328G. Industrial hemp. https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/hrscurrent/Vol06_Ch0321-0344/HRS0328G/
Hawaii Department of Agriculture. (2023). Industrial hemp program. https://hdoa.hawaii.gov/pi/pests/industrial-hemp/
Hawaii Senate Bill 2859, Session Laws of Hawaii 2020. Relating to industrial hemp. https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2020/bills/SB2859_CD1_.HTM
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2023). FDA regulation of cannabis and cannabis-derived products, including cannabidiol (CBD). https://www.fda.gov/news-events/public-health-focus/fda-regulation-cannabis-and-cannabis-derived-products-including-cannabidiol-cbd
