Gov. Josh Green approved amendments to Hawaii Department of Health rules on Tuesday to allow for low-dose marijuana gummies and beverages and the production of crude extract from hemp for use in manufactured hemp products.

What You Need To Know

  • The amendments were made to DOH Hawaii Administrative Rules Chapter 11-37, which sets forth requirements for the processing of cannabinoid hemp and the sale of manufactured hemp products to provide for the protection of the health and safety of the general public
  • Under the new amendments, it is now legal for gummies and beverages to contain a low concentration of tetrahydrocannabinol derived from hemp. THC, as it is commonly known, is the psychoactive compound in hemp that produces a “high” in humans
  • The changes also allow permitted hemp processors to produce crude extract from hemp biomass. The extract is not fit for consumption but can be sold to other hemp processors to produce manufactured hemp products
  • According to the Green's office, the amendments are intended to help Hawaii hemp farmers by 'enhancing processing capabilities and expanding the range of hemp-derived products available to consumers, while maintaining strict safety and quality standards'

 

“This regulatory update underscores Hawaii’s dedication to fostering a thriving hemp industry that drives innovation and economic growth, while implementing robust safety measures to protect public health and ensure consumer confidence,” Green said.

The amendments were made to DOH Hawaii Administrative Rules Chapter 11-37, which sets forth requirements for the processing of cannabinoid hemp and the sale of manufactured hemp products to provide for the protection of the health and safety of the general public. This chapter regulates cannabinoid hemp processors processing hemp biomass into crude extract or preparing manufactured hemp products. The DOH does not regulate industrial hemp.

Under the new amendments, it is now legal for gummies and beverages to contain a low concentration of tetrahydrocannabinol derived from hemp. THC, as it is commonly known, is the psychoactive compound in hemp that produces a “high” in humans.

The changes also allow permitted hemp processors to produce crude extract from hemp biomass. The extract is not fit for consumption but can be sold to other hemp processors to produce manufactured hemp products.

According to the Green's office, the amendments are intended to help Hawaii hemp farmers by “enhancing processing capabilities and expanding the range of hemp-derived products available to consumers, while maintaining strict safety and quality standards.” 

Michael Tsai covers local and state politics for Spectrum News Hawaii. He can be reached at michael.tsai@charter.com.