Is CBD Legal in Hawaii? HI Cannabidiol Laws Explained

The increasing popularity of CBD products has raised numerous questions about their legality across different states, with Hawaii being no exception. If you’re considering using CBD products in the Aloha State, understanding the legal landscape is crucial to ensure you stay on the right side of the law. This comprehensive guide addresses the current legal status of CBD in Hawaii as of May 2025, including regulations, restrictions, and important considerations for residents and visitors alike. By the end of this article, you’ll have a clear understanding of Hawaii’s CBD laws, how they compare to federal regulations, where to legally purchase CBD products, and what restrictions you need to be aware of. Our team has been tracking cannabis regulations across all 50 states since 2018, providing you with accurate, up-to-date information you can trust.

Current Legal Status of CBD in Hawaii

Is CBD Legal in Hawaii?

Yes, CBD is legal in Hawaii, but with specific conditions and restrictions. Hawaii legalized hemp-derived CBD following the passage of the 2018 Farm Bill at the federal level. However, Hawaii has implemented its own regulatory framework that governs the production, sale, and consumption of CBD products within the state.

The key requirements for legal CBD in Hawaii include:

• CBD must be derived from hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) containing no more than 0.3% THC by dry weight
• Products must be properly tested and labeled according to state regulations
• Products cannot make unsubstantiated health claims

It’s important to note that while hemp-derived CBD is legal, marijuana-derived CBD remains heavily regulated under Hawaii’s medical cannabis program and is not legally available for general consumer purchase.

Hawaii’s CBD Laws vs. Federal Regulations

Hawaii’s approach to CBD regulation largely aligns with federal guidelines but includes some state-specific requirements. In 2018, the Hawaii State Legislature passed SB 2700, which established the state’s Industrial Hemp Pilot Program. This was later expanded following the passage of the 2018 Farm Bill, which removed hemp from the federal controlled substances list.

The key differences between Hawaii’s CBD regulations and federal law include:

Hawaii has implemented stricter testing requirements for CBD products sold in the state, particularly for contaminants and accurate cannabinoid content labeling. Additionally, Hawaii requires retailers selling CBD products to obtain specific licenses, which isn’t mandated at the federal level.

The state has also established more comprehensive consumer protection measures, with the Hawaii Department of Health actively monitoring CBD products for compliance with state regulations.

Where to Legally Purchase CBD in Hawaii

Retail Options for CBD Products

Hawaii offers several legal channels for purchasing CBD products. Understanding where to shop ensures you’re getting legal, tested products that comply with state regulations.

Dedicated CBD retailers have established a strong presence throughout the Hawaiian islands, particularly in tourist areas like Waikiki, Lahaina, and Kailua-Kona. These specialty shops typically offer a wide range of products and knowledgeable staff who can provide guidance.

Health food stores and natural product retailers across Hawaii have also embraced CBD products, with many carrying multiple brands and formulations. Major retailers like Whole Foods and local health store chains often stock CBD oils, topicals, and edibles.

For those who prefer the convenience of online shopping, numerous retailers ship CBD products to Hawaii. However, it’s essential to ensure these products comply with Hawaii’s specific regulations.

What to Look for When Buying CBD in Hawaii

When purchasing CBD products in Hawaii, there are several important factors to consider to ensure you’re getting a legal, high-quality product:

Look for comprehensive lab testing information that verifies the product contains the advertised amount of CBD and less than 0.3% THC. The best products will provide batch-specific QR codes linking to detailed lab reports.

Check that the product clearly states the total CBD content, serving size, ingredients, manufacturer information, and batch or lot number. Hawaii regulations require this information to be clearly displayed.

Reputable brands will provide detailed information about their hemp sourcing practices, extraction methods, and quality control procedures. This transparency is often an indicator of product quality.

Hawaii-Specific CBD Regulations

Age Restrictions and Purchase Limits

In Hawaii, consumers must be at least 18 years old to purchase CBD products. Some retailers may impose a minimum age of 21, particularly for full-spectrum products containing trace amounts of THC.

Unlike medical cannabis, there are currently no specific quantity limits for purchasing CBD products in Hawaii. However, retailers may impose their own limits, particularly on higher-potency items.

Travel Considerations for CBD in Hawaii

For those visiting Hawaii, understanding the rules around traveling with CBD is important. When flying to Hawaii from other U.S. states, TSA guidelines allow hemp-derived CBD products containing less than 0.3% THC in both carry-on and checked luggage.

However, international travelers should exercise caution, as CBD remains illegal in many countries. Additionally, inter-island travel with CBD products is permitted, but products should be properly labeled and preferably accompanied by test results if available.

Common Misconceptions About CBD Legality in Hawaii

Understanding the Difference Between Hemp and Marijuana

One of the most common sources of confusion surrounds the difference between hemp-derived and marijuana-derived CBD products. In Hawaii, only hemp-derived CBD (containing less than 0.3% THC) is legally available for general consumer purchase.

Marijuana-derived CBD products (potentially containing higher THC levels) remain restricted to registered medical cannabis patients through the state’s medical marijuana program. This distinction is crucial for consumers to understand to avoid unintentional legal violations.

Medical Cannabis vs. Over-the-Counter CBD

Hawaii has maintained a medical cannabis program since 2000, which operates under different regulations than the hemp-derived CBD market. Many consumers mistakenly believe these systems are interchangeable.

Medical cannabis products in Hawaii can only be purchased from licensed dispensaries by registered patients with qualifying conditions. These products may contain higher levels of THC and are subject to different testing and labeling requirements than retail CBD products.

The Future of CBD Regulation in Hawaii

Pending Legislation and Policy Trends

Hawaii continues to refine its approach to CBD regulation as the market evolves. Several legislative initiatives are currently under consideration that could impact CBD availability and regulations in the coming years.

The state is closely monitoring federal FDA developments regarding CBD regulations, with Hawaii regulators likely to align with federal guidelines as they emerge. There’s also growing discussion about creating more specific licensing requirements for CBD retailers and potentially implementing additional consumer protection measures.

How to Stay Informed About Changing Regulations

Given the evolving regulatory landscape, staying informed about CBD laws in Hawaii is important for both consumers and businesses. The Hawaii Department of Health maintains updated information about CBD regulations on their official website, which serves as the most authoritative source for regulatory information.

Industry associations such as the Hawaii Cannabis Industry Association also provide regular updates on regulatory changes affecting CBD products. Following reputable CBD news sources and legal blogs focusing on cannabis law can also help you stay current on regulatory developments.

Conclusion

CBD is legal in Hawaii when derived from hemp containing no more than 0.3% THC and meeting the state’s testing and labeling requirements. While Hawaii’s approach generally aligns with federal guidelines, the state has implemented additional consumer protections and retailer requirements.

For consumers in Hawaii, this means access to legal CBD products through various retail channels, provided they meet age requirements and purchase properly tested and labeled products. Understanding the distinction between hemp-derived CBD and medical cannabis products is crucial to ensure compliance with state law.

As regulations continue to evolve, staying informed through official channels remains important for anyone interested in CBD products in Hawaii. Whether you’re a resident or visitor to the islands, this knowledge ensures you can confidently navigate Hawaii’s CBD landscape while remaining on the right side of the law.