Hawaii Begins $5,000 Dispensary Application Licensing Process

Hawaii is gearing up for the launch of its medical marijuana program. The state has made the dispensary applications available online. Applications will be accepted until January 29, 2016.

The cost of a dispensary license is $5,000. The state urges applicants to go through the application carefully and read the instructions in their entirety.

Acceptance of applications will be announced by April 15, 2016. Only 8 dispensary licenses will be approved throughout Hawaii, at least for the start of the program, reports Pacific Business News.

Applications will be awarded for the following counties:

• Honolulu County will be allowed 3 dispensaries
• Maui County will receive 2 approvals
• Hawaii County will receive 2 approvals
• Kauai County will receive only 1 approval

Department of Health Care Assurance chief, Keith Ridley, says, “Applicants should be careful to follow the online application instructions completely. The online process is straight forward and follows [the statute and administrative rules].”

With approved applications, dispensary owners can operate two dispensing locations and two production locations. The medical marijuana program is expected to begin this summer.