Does PTSD qualify for a medical card in Hawaii?
Yes. The Hawaii Medical Cannabis Registry Program lists Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as a qualifying condition. A Hawaii-licensed provider still has to evaluate you and agree that cannabis is appropriate.
About PTSD
Limited evidence. The National Academies found limited evidence that cannabinoids improve PTSD symptoms, based on a small trial of nabilone for nightmares. Many patients report better sleep and fewer nightmares, and larger studies are under way.
Symptoms Hawaii patients most often hope to ease:
- Nightmares
- Trouble falling or staying asleep
- Feeling on edge or easily startled
- Anxiety and irritability
- Intrusive memories that are hard to switch off
Read more: medical marijuana for PTSD.
How to get certified in Hawaii
- Create an account on the state's online medical cannabis registry portal.
- See a Hawaii physician or APRN (in person or by telehealth) who establishes a bona fide relationship with you.
- Your provider submits a written certification of your qualifying condition through the registry.
- Complete your patient application, including caregiver and grow-site details if you plan to grow.
- Pay the $38.50 application fee online.
- 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
- ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease)
- Arthritis
- Cachexia & wasting syndrome
- Cancer
- Chronic pain
- Epilepsy & seizures
- Glaucoma
- HIV/AIDS
- Lupus
- Multiple sclerosis
- Nausea & appetite loss
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Severe muscle spasms & spasticity
- Terminal illness & hospice
PTSD in nearby states
- PTSD in California
Frequently asked questions
Do I need medical records for PTSD?
How long does certification take in Hawaii?
Can I renew online in Hawaii?
Sources
- Hawaii eHawaii.gov - Medical Cannabis Registry service page
- Hawaii DOH - Qualifying Medical Conditions
- Hawaii DOH - In-State Patient Application
- Hawaii DOH - Out-of-State Patient Application
- Hawaii DOH - Growing Cannabis
- Hawaii DOH - Registry Program Updates
- National Academies — The Health Effects of Cannabis and Cannabinoids (2017)
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.