It is the Alliance’s mission to provide up-to-date and relevant industry information to the patients, dispensary applicants, and related businesses of Hawai‘i’s growing medicinal cannabis economy. We do this via our bi-monthly Cannabis Insider: Hawai‘i’s Cannabis Industry Journal, special reports, and other resources. These documents are provided free of charge to the industry as a whole to create beneficial conversations about the future of the industry. Alliance members receive Cannabis Insider two months prior to its public release.

If you have any questions or would like to find out more about the Alliance or the topics we address, you are more than welcome to contact us anytime. If you like what you read and are hungry for more, join the Hawai‘i Dispensary Alliance to support the production of this research and receive exclusive access to our most recent material.*

Cannabis Insider January/February 2018 Edition

The Hawai‘i Dispensary Alliance is pleased to announce the release of the January/February 2018 edition of Cannabis Insider: Hawai‘i’s Cannabis Industry Journal. This unique, members-only resource is the premier industry publication, written exclusively for Hawai‘i’s medical cannabis industry.

In this issue, you will find articles that appeal to dispensaries, patients, doctors, industry stakeholders, and canna-businesses. The full Table of Contents includes:

Legalize It – A comprehensive roadmap to legal, adult-use cannabis in Hawai‘i.
HI4Cann – Introducing Hawai‘i’s new Super PAC—Hawai‘i For Responsible Cannabis Use.
Q&A with Vicki Christopherson – A co-founding member of the Western Regional Cannabis Business Association talks WRCBA mission and the actions the organization has taken from the get-go.
Patient or Criminal – The Honolulu Police Department denies medical cannabis patients new firearm permits and demands surrender of their firearms.
Q&A with Adealani Wesley – Kush Bottles Hawai‘i’s general manager of marketing and public relations talks packaging, labeling, the Hawai‘i industry, and working in the California cannabis industry.
Just How Dangerous Is Cannabis? – With mounting scientific data and anecdotal evidence, it is possible to differentiate between the perceived risks and actual risks from using cannabis.
Continuing Medical Education In Hawai‘i – The John A. Burns School of Medicine’s first CME on medical cannabis kicked off with a cautious start.
How To Guides – Find A Dispensary; Register As A Medical Cannabis Patient; A Physicians/APRNs Guide To Certifying Medical Cannabis Patients; Submit Testimony; Qualifying Ailments.
Canna-Infused Recipes – Kale and sundried tomato stuffed chicken, and no-bake peanut butter pie—taking medicine never sounded so good.
2018 Legislative Session Preview – Cannabis bills for the 2018 legislative session.
Act 230 Working Group – Recap of the December 2017 Act 230 Medical Cannabis Legislative Oversight Working Group meeting.
Act 230 Working Group – Recap of the November 2017 Act 230 Medical Cannabis Legislative Oversight Working Group meeting.

It is the Alliance’s mission to provide up-to-date and relevant industry information to the patients, current and future dispensaries, and related businesses of Hawai‘i’s growing medicinal cannabis industry. If you are not yet a member of the Hawai‘i Dispensary Alliance, join today to receive Cannabis Insider bi-monthly, and take an active role in the future of Hawai‘i’s medical marijuana industry. Contact us today and we will send you the Cannabis Insider November/December 2017 edition absolutely free. You can also find us on Facebook or Twitter. Raise your voice, take action, and join the Hawai‘i Dispensary Alliance today.

Cannabis Insider November/December 2017 Edition

The Hawai‘i Dispensary Alliance is pleased to announce the release of the November/December 2017 edition of Cannabis Insider: Hawai‘i’s Cannabis Industry Journal. This unique, members-only resource is the premier industry publication, written exclusively for Hawai‘i’s medical cannabis industry.

In this issue, you will find articles that appeal to dispensaries, patients, doctors, industry stakeholders, and canna-businesses. The full Table of Contents includes:

Economic Impacts of Legalization – An in-depth assessment of the regulatory framework and economic impacts of medical cannabis and legalization in the eight states that have passed adult-use legislation.
Q&A with Aaron Nelson, Director of Actualization at 2020 Solutions – 2020 Solutions has four cannabis retail dispensaries in Washington State and Aaron shares his knowledge on product diversity, the benefits of adult use, and Hawai‘i’s rigorous licensing process.
Cashless Transactions – Heightened security at dispensaries is all about all that cash on hand. Hawai‘i lawmakers have implemented a cashless banking solution to improve safety for patients and dispensaries.
Advances In Medicine – Dr. Norman Goody breaks down the recent cannabis research on cancer, inflammation, and addiction.
How To Find A Dispensary – It’s finally happening. All the boxes have been checked and the dispensaries are opening their doors. Here’s how to find them.
How To CanPay – Hawai‘i dispensaries have adopted a cashless payment system. Before your next visit, follow these simple steps to download the app and create an account.
Canna-Infused Recipes – Red beans and rice, and cucumber and watermelon salad—taking medicine never sounded so good.
Act 230 Working Group – Recap of the October 2017 Act 230 Medical Cannabis Legislative Oversight Working Group meeting.
Act 230 Working Group – Recap of the September 2017 Act 230 Medical Cannabis Legislative Oversight Working Group meeting.

Cannabis Insider September/October 2017 Edition

The Hawai‘i Dispensary Alliance is pleased to announce the release of the September/October 2017 edition of Cannabis Insider: Hawai‘i’s Cannabis Industry Journal, formerly the Industry Update. This unique, members-only resource is the premier industry publication, written exclusively for Hawai‘i’s medical cannabis industry.

In this issue, you will find articles that appeal to dispensaries, patients, doctors, industry stakeholders, and canna-businesses. The full Table of Contents includes:

Hawai‘i’s Cannabis Oligopoly – Hawai‘i’s medical cannabis program is failing patients. Vertical integration and a lack of leadership have put the brakes on Hawai‘i’s cannabis industry.
Q&A with Steve Lee, Founder of Green2Go – Green2Go has been raising the bar for cannabis retail with a dedication to social entrepreneurship and a best practices business model.
Lock And Key – Dr. Norman Goody explains the relationship between THC and the human body’s endocannabinoid system.
How To Find A Dispensary – It’s finally happening. All the boxes have been checked and the dispensaries are opening their doors. Here’s how to find them.
Call Me Cannabis – What’s in a name? Everything. Words are imbued with meaning and hold immense power. Here is how to talk about cannabis.
Canna-Infused Recipes – Chinese chicken salad and homemade tomato soup—taking medicine never sounded so good.
Act 230 Working Group – Recap of the August 2017 Act 230 Medical Cannabis Legislative Oversight Working Group meeting
Act 230 Working Group – Recap of the July 2017 Act 230 Medical Cannabis Legislative Oversight Working Group meeting

It is the Alliance’s mission to provide up-to-date and relevant industry information to the patients, current and future dispensaries, and related businesses of Hawai‘i’s growing medicinal cannabis industry. If you are not yet a member of the Hawai‘i Dispensary Alliance, join today to receive Cannabis Insider bi-monthly, and take an active role in the future of Hawai‘i’s medical marijuana industry. Contact us today and we will send you the Cannabis Insider September/October 2017 edition absolutely free. You can also find us on Facebook or Twitter. Raise your voice, take action, and join the Hawai‘i Dispensary Alliance today.

HDA Industry Update: 2017 Summer Omnibus

The Hawai‘i Dispensary Alliance Industry Update: 2017 Summer Omnibus is here! This unique, members-only resource is the premier industry publication written exclusively for Hawai‘i’s medical cannabis industry.

In this issue, we present a number of articles that appeal to dispensaries, patients, doctors, industry stakeholders, and canna-businesses. The full Table of Contents includes:

May/June 2017 Act 230 Working Group Meeting– Our comprehensive notes from the May/June meeting of the Medical Cannabis Working Group, including details about O‘ahu dispensary Manoa Botanicals.
Q&A with Bill Jarvis, Chairman of Hawaii Medical College – Long standing C-suite executive and dispensary applicant Bill Jarvis weighs in on the dispensary licensing process, DOH Dispensary Program speed bumps, and his vision of a successful industry.
Hawaii Cannabis Expo 2017 – Dr. Norm Goody discusses cannabis culture through the lens of the second annual cannabis expo.
Legislator Report Card 2017 – Friend or foe? For or against? The Hawai‘i Dispensary Alliance evaluates legislators who voted on medical cannabis legislation in the 29^th Legislative Session.
Q&A with Dustin Verity, Managing Partner of Verity CPAs – Dustin Verity talks about the importance of regular audits in a highly regulated industry and shares some tips on taxes and record keeping.
The Cannabis DUI – Hawai‘i law defines four types of DUI. Criminal defense attorney Marcus Landsberg explains the challenges for law enforcement to asses and cite the cannabis DUI.
420 Forum: The Future of Cannabis in the Aloha State – Sitting alongside industry stakeholders on a panel hosted by the Democratic Party of Hawai‘i, key legislators supportive of the state’s new cannabis industry discussed the challenges of the current dispensary program and proposed paths to achieving a successful cannabis economy. Find out what they had to say.
Canna-Infused Recipes – You can’t buy edibles, but you can make them yourself. Check out these recipes for the delicious Peanut Butter, Bacon, Banana, and Honey Sandwich, and a savory Strawberry Goat Cheese Bruschetta.
April 2017 Act 230 Legislative Working Group Meeting– Check out our comprehensive notes from the April meeting of the Medical Cannabis Working Group, including details from the Pono Life Sciences (Maui) dispensary presentation.
How to Register as a Patient– This brief, DOH-approved document provides patients with the instructions to successfully complete the patient paperwork to obtain a 329 card.
Physician/APRN Guide to Certifying Medical Cannabis Patients in Hawai‘i– This brief, DOH-approved document contains the instructions for physicians/APRN’s to successfully certify medical cannabis patients in Hawai‘i.
Alliance Calendar – Finally, make sure you check out the Alliance Calendar at the end of the Industry Update. It’s full of industry and educational events occurring over the next few months.

It is the Alliance’s mission to provide up-to-date and relevant industry information to the patients, current and future dispensaries, and related businesses of Hawai‘i’s growing medicinal cannabis industry. If you are not yet a member of the Hawai‘i Dispensary Alliance, join today to receive the HDA Industry Update bi-monthly, and take an active role in the future of Hawai‘i’s medical marijuana industry. Contact us today and we will send you this 2017 Summer Omnibus edition of the Industry Update absolutely free. You can also find us on Facebook or Twitter. Raise your voice, take action, and join the Hawai‘i Dispensary Alliance today.

Winter 2017 HDA Industry Update

The Hawai‘i Dispensary Alliance is pleased to announce the release of the Winter 2017 Edition of the HDA Industry Update. This unique, members-only resource is the premier industry publication written exclusively for Hawai‘i’s medical marijuana industry.

In this issue, we present a number of different articles that will appeal to dispensaries, patients, doctors, and related businesses alike. The full Table of Contents includes:

January 2017 Working Group Meeting – Our comprehensive notes from the January meeting of the Medical Cannabis Working Group, including details about Big Island dispensary Lau Ola.
2017 Hawai‘i Cannabis Industry Legislation Overview – A brief update on the current status of all cannabis industry legislation in the aftermath of the first legislative crossover.
How to Submit Testimony – A quick guide for citizens on how to submit testimony in support of the legislation that matters to you!
An Interview with PharmLabs Hawai‘i – An in-depth interview with one of the laboratories that will be performing the testing for the dispensaries and patients. This interview looks at their mission, their tools, and their vision for the future of the medical cannabis industry in Hawai‘i.
Ancillary Business Opportunities in Hawai‘i – This in-depth analysis of current trends and opportunities for ancillary businesses in the medical cannabis industry in Hawai‘i, is based on extensive data collection from across the United States and is an encouraging and thought provoking read for any who wish to be involved in the future of Hawai‘i’s medical cannabis economy.
Peer-Reviewed Prescription – Matching the Right Cannabis Strains to the Disease Makes for Effective Medicine – This column by Dr. Norm Goody describes the mechanisms and necessity of turning cannabis from a leaf on a bush into true medicine.
Qualifying Conditions by State – This chart shows all of the qualifiying conditions for the use of medical cannabis across the United States.
How to Register as a Patient – This brief document provides patients with the instructions they need to successfully complete the patient paperwork to obtain their 329 card. It has been approved by DOH.
An Interview with Synaptic OTC Sciences – This interview with HDA member Synaptic OTC Sciences touches on the CBD supplement industry, the effectiveness of CBD only products for certain ailments, and the path forward, hand-in-hand with the medical cannabis and industrial hemp industries.
Physician/APRN Guide to Certifying Medical Cannabis Patients in Hawai‘i – This brief document contains the instructions that physicians/APRN’s should follow to successfully certify medical cannabis patients in Hawai‘i. It has been approved by DOH.
February/March 2017 Legislative Working Group Meeting – Finally, our comprehensive notes from the February/March meeting of the Medical Cannabis Working Group, including details about Kauai dispensary, Green Aloha.

Finally, make sure you check out the Calendar at the end of the Update. It is rapidly filling up with industry and educational events scheduled for the next few months!

It is the Alliance’s mission to provide up-to-date and relevant industry information to the patients, dispensary applicants, and related businesses of Hawai‘i’s growing medicinal cannabis industry. If you are not yet an Alliance member, join today to receive the HDA Industry Update every month and to take an active role in the future of Hawai‘i’s medical marijuana industry. Contact us today and we will send you this Winter 2017 edition of the Industry Update absolutely free to say thank you for your interest! You can also find us on Facebook or Twitter.

Hawai‘i Cannabis Expo Resources

If you would like to sign-up to receive get involved in the legislative process and receive a FREE copy of Hawai‘i’s most comprehensive industry resource, just click here, it takes less than a minute!

Here are electronic versions of all Alliance information from the 2nd Annual Hawai‘i Cannabis Expo, open, enjoy, download, and share!

**How to Register for Your 329 Card as a Patient**

**How to Certify Patients as a Physician/APRN**

**How to Submit Testimony to the Legislature**

**2017 Hawaii Cannabis Industry Legislation**

Let us know if you have any comments, we’d love to know your opinions!

It is the Alliance’s mission to provide up-to-date and relevant industry information to the patients, dispensary applicants, and related businesses of Hawai‘i’s growing medicinal cannabis industry. If you are not yet an Alliance member, join today to receive the HDA Industry Update every month and to take an active role in the future of Hawai‘i’s medical marijuana industry. Contact us today and we will send you the Winter 2017 edition of the HDA Industry Update absolutely free to say thank you for your interest!

September-October HDA Industry Update

The Hawai‘i Dispensary Alliance is pleased to announce the release of the September-October 2016 Edition of the HDA Industry Update. This unique, members-only resource is the premier industry publication written exclusively for Hawai‘i’s medical marijuana industry.

In this issue, we present a number of different articles that will appeal to dispensaries, patients, doctors, and related businesses alike.

In the first article we present our recent recap of the industry’s first Legislative Oversight Committee meeting as established by the legislature in Act 230 (2016). In this article we review an update of the dispensary and the registry system as provided by DOH and we learn about the topics the industry will consider recommending for future legislative action. You can also read this article on our website. If you are interested in the future of the industry, make sure to read over these topics and let us know which ones the Committee should prioritize, what resources the Committee should evaluate, and what your opinion or view is so that the Committee can consider it!

Our next article features an interview with one of HDA’s leading members and international locations platform Weedmaps. This interview with CEO Doug Francis provides important information for Hawai‘i dispensaries, patients, and doctors about the direction of the medical marijuana industry on the mainland, and how we might be able to benefit from those advances in Hawai‘i. Weedmaps’ focus on patient and doctor education is especially notable.

Our third article was written by one of HDA’s physician members, Dr. Norm Goody, and is the first of a two-part series examining the medical nature of marijuana. In this first section, Dr. Goody answers the questions “What makes a substance medicine and why is the medicinal value of cannabis controversial?”. Next month, Dr. Goody will describe the differences between medical and recreational cannabis use, so that the industry can make informed decisions about protecting and expanding medical marijuana use and education.

In this issue, we are advertising for an upcoming continuing medical education event directed at nurses. This event will feature local speakers and national CEU provider Patients Out of Time and their certified Nursing CEU curriculum regarding the medical efficacy of cannabis and the healthcare professional’s role in patient care and education. The even will be hosted at the HDA offices and sponsored by Drug Policy Forum of Hawai‘i and the Medical Cannabis Coalition of Hawai‘i. Doctors, nurses, and the general public are all invited to attend – details and pricing are available here.

This issue’s final article evaluates the federal government’s current position on medical marijuana, the role played by the Controlled Substances Act, and the future legislative priorities of industry friendly organizations lobbying at the national level. This article provides a lot of useful information on the DEA’s recent decision to leave marijuana on CSA Schedule I, the industry’s response, and future initiatives to change this decision. The article features Rob Kampia, co-Founder and Executive Director of the Marijuana Policy Project, the largest marijuana-policy-reform organization in the nation. Even as we develop our own rules and industry here in Hawai‘i, it is important to stay informed of national changes that could impact every aspect of our state industry.

Finally, make sure you check out the Calendar at the end of the Update. It is rapidly filling up with industry and educational events scheduled for the next few months!

It is the Alliance’s mission to provide up-to-date and relevant industry information to the patients, dispensary applicants, and related businesses of Hawai‘i’s growing medicinal cannabis industry. If you are not yet an Alliance member, join today to receive the HDA Industry Update every month and to take an active role in the future of Hawai‘i’s medical marijuana industry. Contact us today and we will send you this Sept-Oct 2016 edition of the Industry Update absolutely free to say thank you for your interest! You can also find us on Facebook or Twitter.

August 2016 HDA Industry Update

The Hawai‘i Dispensary Alliance is pleased to announce the release of the August 2016 Edition of the HDA Industry Update. This unique, members-only resource is the premier industry publication written exclusively for Hawai‘i’s medical marijuana industry.

In this August issue, we present a number of different articles that will appeal to dispensaries, patients, doctors, and related businesses alike.

In the first article we join with the industry in celebrating Governor David Ige’s recent signing of HB2707 into law as Act 230. The Department of Health has done a great job already implementing the Act’s provisions – APRN’s can now certify new patients – and we look forward to working with the Legislative Oversight Group and our members in the fall to create new priorities on behalf of the industry for next year’s legislative session.

In the second article, long-time Alliance stalwart, Sugar Leaf Supply Co. details their vision and place in the industry and offers up their services as a valuable repository of technical knowledge and distribution networks from across the country. Learn about how this local company is making waves in the industry and about the types of technologies the dispensaries could employ to create better medicine.

The third article examines the demographics of Hawai‘i’s current patient population and focuses on ways that the industry can reach out and incorporate its largest demographic – Seniors. Dispensaries, ancillary businesses, and patients alike will learn about this important element of the cannabis industry in Hawai‘i and potential ways to get involved.

Next is an article by local lawyer and money laundering regulations expert Stephen Pingree. He discusses the reticence of banks to accept accounts from businesses related to the marijuana industry and provides the outline for how businesses should approach the banking system in the future to maximize their chances of creating a positive relationship. Stephen and the HDA will be leading an in-depth seminar on this topic later in the year, let us know what specifics you would like to see addressed at the seminar!

The next article was written to provide the industry and the public with the information necessary to draw their own conclusions about the various paths dispensaries might pursue in obtaining their initial stock of marijuana plants. This article sets out the relevant state statutes and case law, and draws preliminary conclusions, so that the industry can make its own decisions about how to proceed.

Finally, in this Edition’s keystone article, the Alliance is pleased to provide the industry with the facts and arguments it needs to begin to break down the stigmatization that haunts the industry. Addressing issues of children’s access to marijuana, drugged driving, crime rates, and economic development, this article details the facts we have learned about the introduction of medical marijuana programs in other states and projects a positive future for Hawai‘i.

It is the Alliance’s mission to provide up-to-date and relevant industry information to the patients, dispensary applicants, and related businesses of Hawai‘i’s growing medicinal cannabis industry. If you are not yet an Alliance member, join today to receive the HDA Industry Update every month and to take an active role in the future of Hawai‘i’s medical marijuana industry. Contact us today and we will send you the April 2016 edition of the newsletter absolutely free to say thank you for your interest! You can also find us on Facebook or Twitter.

Summer 2016 HDA Industry Update

Published July 13, 2016.

The Hawai‘i Dispensary Alliance is pleased to announce the release of the Summer 2016 Omnibus Edition of the HDA Industry Update. This unique, members-only resource is the premier industry publication written exclusively for Hawai‘i’s medical marijuana industry. In this issue:

A final recap of the 2016 legislative season and the industry’s success in introducing, supporting, and passing HB2707 (Act 230).
The first in a series of profiles of Hawai‘i’s new dispensaries. This month, the spotlight is on Lau Ola, LLC, one of the two new Big Island dispensaries and their plans to build a world-class dispensary.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and how medical marijuana can help patients suffering from PTSD.
Step-by-step instructions and explanations for doctors interested in providing medical marijuana certifications
Step-by-step instructions for patients interested in obtaining their medical marijuana certifications.
A chart of all of the state medical marijuana programs and the ailments recognized in each state.
An in-depth look at the Alliance’s fiscal forecasts for Hawai‘i’s medical marijuana industry.
An examination of best practices for the types of community engagement that dispensaries could engage in.
This edition’s long read is intended as a handy reference about what is happening in the medical marijuana industry nationally with a profile of the medical marijuana industry in each state.

HDA Industry Forecast 2016

The Potential Futures of Hawai‘i’s Medical Marijuana Market

Published June 27, 2016.

This industry forecast is the first serious public attempt to create projections for the possible fiscal futures of Hawai‘i’s medical marijuana dispensary program. This report is based on data gathered from the State of Hawai‘i and medical marijuana dispensary programs across the United States; and it is intended to spark a public conversation about what role Hawai‘i’s medical marijuana dispensary program could play in the state’s economy as a whole, and what steps the industry will need to take to reach its full potential.

Now that the dispensary licensees have been announced, it is time to begin thinking about the future fiscal landscape of the medical marijuana industry in Hawai‘i. Specifically, what patient numbers should the industry expect, how large could the industry become, and what do these numbers mean for dispensaries and patients alike. While this task is obviously complicated by the incredible youth of the medical marijuana industry across the United States, there is enough data to begin to make broad estimates relevant to Hawai‘i’s potential.

April 2016 HDA Industry Update

Published April 21, 2016.

The Hawai‘i Dispensary Alliance is pleased to release the April 2016 edition of the HDA Industry Update. This unique resource is the premier industry publication written exclusively for Hawai‘i’s medical marijuana industry.

In this issue we present a few different articles from successful industry veterans and writers alike. First up is an article on tax considerations for dispensaries and other businesses that touch marijuana. This article focuses on the history of the Federal Internal Revenue Code 280E, the consequences for MMJ businesses, the impact on patients, Federal Case law pertaining to IRC 280E, pending Federal Legislation, and the tax future for Hawai‘i MMJ businesses.

Next is an article praising Hawai‘i’s decision to place the medical marijuana program under the Department of Health instead of under the Department of Public Safety. This decision will allow the industry to develop a culture of compassion and care for patients that simply does not exist in states where the Department of Public Safety is in charge.

The third article provides information to the industry as a whole about the non-smokeable products that dispensaries can produce and many of the related considerations the industry should consider in the next few months before the dispensaries come online. Details on the prices of CO2 extraction equipment, the necessity of FDA approved supplement ingredients, and the benefits of Standard Operating Procedures are all discussed.

The final article will be quite useful to legislators, dispensaries, and investors as they look to project the size and future of the industry and the success of each dispensary. Looking at similarly sized and regulated markets in Maine and Rhode Island, the author draws some interesting conclusions about the potential size of Hawai‘i’s own market and the revenue potential for dispensaries in the industry’s first few years.

HDA White Paper

Hawai‘i’s Medical Marijuana Economy: A Roadmap for the Future

Published April 5, 2016.

This technical study is the medical marijuana industry’s first attempt to predict its own future and envision the collaborative involvement of patients, dispensaries, government officials, and local businesses in making Hawai‘i’s medical marijuana industry a success for all of Hawai‘i.

At the very least, Hawai‘i needs a profitable industry that provides good service and quality medicine to patients at an affordable price while discouraging diversion to the black market and gradually reducing the public stigma of the industry. But these should merely be the baseline goals of the industry – the lowest acceptable outcome – we can do so much better for the patients, Hawai‘i, and ourselves if we work together to create a new medical marijuana economy! We can reinvigorate Hawai‘i’s struggling agricultural sector; create a new global tourism market; attract investment from across the world for medical innovations; light a fire under our nascent technology industry; further incentivize renewable energy development; and export a uniquely Hawaiian standard of care for the global industry.

The patients, the government, the public, and businesses across the state must choose to engage with each other and the dispensaries. There is opportunity, risk, and reward for all who step forward – but if we do nothing, nothing will happen. Hawai‘i must choose whether we will let medical marijuana become yet another industry dominated by mainland interests, or whether we will take the steps necessary to create a medical marijuana economy that the rest of the world will emulate. Time is running short.

March 2016 HDA Industry Update

Published March 8, 2016.

The Hawai‘i Dispensary Alliance is pleased to release the March 2016 edition of the HDA Industry Update. This unique resource is the premier industry publication written exclusively for Hawai‘i’s medical marijuana industry.

In this issue we review the Alliance’s 2016 Legislative Platform and address our concerns with some of the bills we have seen this session. We want to keep the industry updated on where things stand, and aware of the ideas and legislation which will likely arise again in future sessions. As of right now, the Alliance’s own HB2707 omnibus bill and SB 2523 regarding greenhouses are the last bills standing.

We have a couple of articles continuing the discussion we began in our February Edition of the Industry Update regarding both opioid use and descheduling of marijuana at the state level. There are increasingly strident calls at the highest levels of state and federal government to encourage research into medical marijuana and its positive role in replacing opioid use and reducing opioid overdose deaths. This call for federal action is mirrored in the second article discussing the interaction between State and Federal law and answering the question of whether or not descheduling marijuana at the state level would have any effect on the industry in Hawai‘i.

Finally, this March edition of the HDA Industry Update includes a long-form article discussing the growth of the Medical Marijuana Industry in Israel – which, it turns out, is remarkably similar to what Hawai‘i’s industry will look like in 2-3 years – right down to the number of dispensaries and the size of the patient base. But those are just a couple of the similarities, more importantly, the article discusses how the growth of Israel’s industry provides a template for the future of the medical marijuana economy in Hawai‘i. We look forward to hearing your thoughts on the comparison and on what you see as the future of medical marijuana in Hawai‘i.

February 2016 HDA Industry Update

Published February 9, 2016.

The Hawai‘i Dispensary Alliance is pleased to release the February 2016 edition of the HDA Industry Newsletter. This members-only resource is the premier industry publication written exclusively for Hawai‘i’s medical marijuana industry. This edition features articles concerning the upcoming legislative session, how you can be involved, and information on background checks, addiction studies, and dispensary-community relations.

In our largest newsletter to date, we have several articles outlining every bill in the State House and Senate concerning the cannabis and hemp industries. We also include explanations for the bills submitted by your Alliance on behalf of the industry to help tweak some of DoH’s administrative rules.

For those interested in contributing to the public debate and letting their voice be heard, this issue also features an article detailing exactly how patients, individuals, and interested businesses can submit testimony to the Legislature concerning any of these issues. The issue includes a calendar of legislative deadlines over the next couple of months for everyone to take note of as you prepare to engage the Legislature this session.

Next is an informative interview with George Hobart, a successful medical marijuana dispensary owner out of Washington. In the interview he discusses a number of issues of interest to future dispensary owners, managers, and employees including pesticide testing, marketing, and store security.

This issue also includes two interesting articles addressing recent concerns arising across the industry here in Hawaii – addiction rates and dispensary background checks. The addiction rate article is intended to provide useful information to combat recent anti-marijuana events accusing the industry of becoming the next big tobacco – this is patently false, especially in relation to the medicinal uses of marijuana, and we have the data to prove it. The second article discusses an issue of importance to patients and dispensaries alike – the background check requirements of the Department of Health’s interim rules. The article details what is required in each background check, who must is subject to a background check, and the unprecedented requirement that patients must pass a background check before entering a dispensary.

Finally, this February issue of the Industry Update continues our discussion of real estate issues and the medical marijuana industry with an article addressing the relationship between dispensaries and local communities. Dispensaries, patients, and interested individuals and businesses should all engage the local community to promote safety fro all and to preempt any adverse reaction by their neighbors. Information and personal relationships are an important tool for the industry in forging new alliances and friends across the state.

January 2016 HDA Industry Update

Published January 8, 2016.

Happy New Year and welcome to 2016! The Hawai‘i Dispensary Alliance is pleased to release the January 2016 edition of the HDA Industry Update. This unique, members-only resource is the premier industry publication written exclusively for Hawai‘i’s medical marijuana industry.

In this issue we preview the Alliance’s 2016 Legislative Platform for the industry’s comment and consideration and we look at DoH’s interpretation of the public education provisions of Act 241.

We have several articles addressing the results of the legislative briefing on December 28, 2015, where your Hawai’i Dispensary Alliance was extremely honored to present the industry’s view of DoH’s new rules before the House Committee on Health and the Senate Committee on Commerce, Consumer Protection, and Health. Thanks to you, the informational briefing was a real success for both the industry and the Alliance due in large part to your detailed feedback and our own in-depth analysis of DoH’s new rules.

This edition also features a long discussion of the various real estate requirements of the interim rules to help dispensary applicants and their stakeholders navigate the tangled waters of the application process.

Finally, this issue of the Industry Update includes the HDA Code of Conduct, which all of our members agree to abide by, and a note about why it is so important to the future of the industry in Hawai‘i.

*The views and opinions expressed on this website and in these publications are solely those of the original authors and other contributors. These views and opinions do not necessarily represent those of the Hawai‘i Dispensary Alliance, the Hawai‘i Dispensary Alliance staff, any or all Members of the Hawai‘i Dispensary Alliance, and/or any/all contributors to this site.