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Conditions · Hawaii

Arthritis and medical marijuana in Hawaii: do you qualify?

By MyMMJRx Editorial Team · Updated · 5 min read

Yes. The Hawaii Medical Cannabis Registry Program lists Rheumatoid arthritis as a qualifying condition. A Hawaii-licensed provider still has to evaluate you and agree that cannabis is appropriate.

About arthritis

Arthritis covers more than 100 conditions that affect the joints. Osteoarthritis (wear and tear) and rheumatoid arthritis (autoimmune) are the most common.

Moderate evidence. Arthritis-specific trials are few, but arthritis pain falls under chronic pain, where the National Academies found substantial evidence of benefit. Many patients prefer topicals for joint pain.

Symptoms Hawaii patients most often hope to ease:

  • Ongoing joint pain in the knees, hips, hands or back
  • Stiffness after rest or first thing in the morning
  • Pain that interrupts sleep
  • Reduced ability to walk, grip or exercise
  • Reliance on pain relievers that cause side effects
Before you start. Cannabis does not stop joint damage in rheumatoid arthritis, so it should never replace disease-modifying drugs. CBD can affect how the liver handles some medicines, including warfarin and methotrexate, so your doctor may want to check blood tests.

Read more: medical marijuana for arthritis.

How to get certified in Hawaii

  1. Create an account on the state's online medical cannabis registry portal.
  2. See a Hawaii physician or APRN (in person or by telehealth) who establishes a bona fide relationship with you.
  3. Your provider submits a written certification of your qualifying condition through the registry.
  4. Complete your patient application, including caregiver and grow-site details if you plan to grow.
  5. Pay the $38.50 application fee online.
  6. Once approved, download or print your 329 card and use it at licensed dispensaries.

Hawaii allows the evaluation by telehealth, so you can see a Hawaii-licensed provider by video. Our evaluation starts at $79 and is charged only if you're approved.

Costs and timeline

  • State fee: $38.50
  • Card lasts: 1 year (up to 3 years if the provider states the condition is chronic)
  • Processing: Often within days online
  • Patient limit: Up to 4 ounces of usable cannabis (shared between patient and caregiver)
  • Home grow: Up to 10 plants (mature or immature) per patient at a registered grow site
  • Recreational sales: Not legal
  • First visit online: Yes

See the full Hawaii cost breakdown and Hawaii program overview.

Other qualifying conditions in Hawaii

Arthritis in nearby states

Frequently asked questions

Do I need medical records for arthritis?

Helpful records include: a diagnosis of the type of arthritis, such as an X-ray report or rheumatology notes; a list of treatments tried, including pain relievers, injections and physical therapy, and how well they worked; any recent lab results for rheumatoid or other inflammatory arthritis. Many patients are still evaluated on their history alone, and your Hawaii provider will tell you if more is needed.

How long does certification take in Hawaii?

The provider visit takes about 15 minutes. Often within days online.

Can I renew online in Hawaii?

In most cases, yes. Patients re-apply through the online registry before their card expires, with a new provider certification and another $38.50 fee. Cards for chronic conditions may be issued for up to three years.

Sources

This guide is general information, not medical or legal advice. Laws change — confirm details with your state agency. State facts last checked October 7, 2026.

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