Pakalolo has always been a part of life in Hawaiʻi, woven into our culture long before medical use was legalized in 2000. Today, the Hawaii 329 medical cannabis card program gives patients a legal way to grow their own or visit dispensaries for consistent, tested medicine. For those living with chronic pain, sleep troubles, or ongoing health issues, cannabis can be a helpful option in the toolkit. Caregivers play an important role too, often helping with the process or shopping on behalf of loved ones. Keep reading for a simple guide to help you get started, along with tips to feel more confident once you have your card.
What is a 329 Card?
A 329 Card is Hawaiʻi’s official medical cannabis card that gives patients safe, legal access. With it, you can shop tested products at licensed dispensaries or grow up to 10 plants, with a purchase limit of 4 ounces every 15 days. Having a card means peace of mind, knowing you’re protected under the law and can ask questions openly.
When cannabis isn’t tested, what you buy is what you get. At Aloha Green Apothecary, every product is lab-tested for safety and consistency. What really sets us apart is choice. From discreet vapes and edibles to premium flower, we offer a wide variety so patients can find what works best for their needs. We also value patient feedback and do our best to provide quality options for locals managing their health.
Still need your card? Keep reading to get started.
How to Apply for a 329 Card (Made Simple)
We know that the process can seem intimidating, so here’s a simple breakdown of how to pursue legal medical cannabis in Hawaiʻi.
Step 1: Schedule to see a Doctor or APRN
First, you’ll want to plan your appointment to get certified with a licensed physician or advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) in Hawaiʻi. One option is Hemptuary Hawaiʻi, located next to our Nimitz dispensary, which offers in-person or telehealth appointment scheduling with qualified providers.
👉 Schedule an Appointment with Hemptuary
👉 Click Here to View Other Physician/APRN Options
Step 2: Gather Your ID
You’ll need a valid Hawaiʻi driver’s license, state ID, or passport.
Step 3: Complete the online DOH application before your appointment
If needed, your provider can help guide you through the Department of Health’s online system. You’ll need an email address to log in, as well as an address if you’re planning to establish a growsite in your private residence. If you want a caregiver (someone who can shop on your behalf), that’s also set up during this step.
👉 View In-state DOH Applications Here
👉 In-State Application eHawaii Video Tutorial : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L41yELR6W88
Step 4: Pay the required State Fee
The current state fee is $38.50 for one year, or $77 for a two-year renewal (with the same physician). Expect a separate physicians fee on top of this cost, which can vary depending on who you get certified with. For example, Hemptuary Hawaii’s cost is $140/per year with all fees included.
Step 5: Get Your Card
After your application is processed and approved, you can print your card or keep it as a file on your phone. Always bring it, along with your ID, when visiting a dispensary.
View other helpful hawaii.gov resources for 329 patients here
Entering the Dispensary (Ours in Particular!)
Main things to know:
- A valid Hawaiʻi 329 Medical Cannabis Card and state ID are required to enter our doors and make a purchase.
- We accept cash, debit, and debit app payments only. ATMs are available in-store.
- Everyone who walks through our doors is treated with aloha and respect. Patient confidentiality and safety always come first.
When you visit for the first time, you’ll be welcomed by our security and reception team near the entrance. New patients will be asked to fill out a short intake form. Want to save time (and get to the good stuff quicker)? Click here to download and print the form in advance.
Exploring Dispensary Products
Back in the day, pakalolo might have felt more straightforward. Today, plant science is better understood, and that knowledge helps us make choices with more confidence. As you begin visiting dispensaries and exploring which products work best for you, we highly recommend keeping a patient log (click here for a printable example) to track your experiences.
Product types you’ll find at Aloha Green Apothecary:
- Pre-packaged Flower
- Topicals (gels and balms)
- MCT-based Tinctures (including 1:1 and sleep-focused options)
- Various Edibles (drinks, gummies, and more)
- Cannabis Concentrates (including full spectrum RSO, and vape carts)
We have a digital Patient Handbook available, which breaks down the basics of our menu options — like different ways to use flower, or how to choose between RSO varieties. You’ll also find other helpful downloads, such as cart battery guides, Growing 101 slides, and more. Check out our Resources Page for more information.
Helpful Terms to Know
Healing with cannabis is a journey, and our staff is always here to kōkua. These are a few terms that come up often:
- “Start low, go slow.” You can always take more, but never less. Moderation is key. If you ever feel you’ve had too much THC, a little CBD can help balance it out.
- Indica / Sativa / Hybrid. General categories that suggest whether a strain may feel more relaxing, uplifting, or a mix. Everyone’s body reacts differently, so use these as loose guides.
- Cannabinoids. Compounds like THC (can bring pain relief, appetite stimulation, or euphoria) and CBD (often associated with calm or inflammation support).
- Terpenes. The natural oils that give cannabis its smell and flavor, these may also influence how a strain feels. Common ones include myrcene, limonene, and caryophyllene.
- Full Spectrum. Products that keep the full range of plant compounds (cannabinoids + terpenes) working together, instead of isolating just one. Some of our most therapeutic options would be full spectrum.
Making the Most of Your Visits
Every visit can come with a little something extra. We run weekly specials, one-day sales, and even monthly discounts, so it’s always worth checking out when you’re planning to pick up! By joining Aloha Rewards, you’ll collect points every time you shop. You, or your caregiver, will be able to use these points toward products or swag.
You can learn more about rewards on our website here, or ask our staff to help you sign up in-store using an email and phone number. For easy updates, sign up for our email newsletter so you’ll be the first to know about new products, patient deals, and upcoming events.
Closing Thoughts
Getting a Hawaii 329 medical cannabis card is a step toward taking charge of your wellness and enjoying life on the islands. Just like fishing with ʻohana at the beach, it’s important to have the right tools and support to keep living the way you want.
For many patients, cannabis is about finding a little more comfort, ease, and balance in everyday life. Whether you’re kūpuna looking for pain relief, a caregiver supporting someone you love, or just starting fresh, we’re here to help. We look forward to welcoming you to Aloha Green Apothecary and walking with you, one visit at a time.
🌿 Next step? Explore our Patient Resources for helpful downloads, guides, and tips to make your journey smoother. View our weekly specials & find your nearest location.