Governor Josh Green of Hawaiʻi signed an executive order on Monday to protect medical cannabis caregivers from enforcement actions ahead of legal changes set to take effect on January 1, 2025.
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The executive order allows caregivers to continue cultivating cannabis for patients under the current law without fear of penalties, provided they comply with existing regulations.
Governor Green, who is also a physician, expressed concern that upcoming legal changes could negatively affect patient health outcomes. To address this, the executive order directs the Department of Health to refrain from enforcing penalties against caregivers operating within legal boundaries, as long as no other significant violations are committed.
"We have medical cannabis statutes to provide patients the relief each desperately needs as they navigate very serious health issues. We must protect the patients and their caregivers when the caregivers cultivate cannabis for a patient in a manner that fits squarely within the spirit of the medical-cannabis law," Governor Green stated.
The Hawaiʻi Department of Health also voiced support for the executive order. Director Dr. Kenneth Fink emphasized the importance of maintaining caregiver cultivation rights to ensure patients receive necessary treatment. The Governor urged the State Legislature to amend the law to preserve these protections permanently for patients and caregivers in need.
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