First Cannabis Production Facility is Approved on Hawaii’s Big Island
[dropcap class=”kp-dropcap”]O[/dropcap]n Aug. 14, officials at the Hawaii Department of Health authorized the approval of its first medical cannabis production center on the state’s largest island.
Hawaiian Ethos LLC is one of the eight businesses that met all the state’s requirements and received a license, but it is the first to be approved to cultivate and manufacture cannabis products at approved facilities. “All of the licensees have worked hard to meet state standards to create a quality industry in Hawaii that provides a safe product while ensuring patient and public health and safety,” Keith Ridley, chief of the Department of Health, Office of Health Care Assurance, announced in a statement. “We will continue to work diligently with Hawaiian Ethos as they complete construction of their second production center and then seek approval for retail sales.”
Currently, each of the state’s eight cannabis licensees may operate two production facilities and two dispensaries, which totals out to 16 production facilities and 16 dispensaries statewide. So far, dispensaries have opened across Kauai, Maui and Oahu. But as the first to begin cannabis cultivation and manufacturing, Hawaiian Ethos LLC is positive in its ability to meet state requirements while also properly serving the state’s medical cannabis patients. “Hawaiian Ethos is committed to working with the State and County to comply with all laws and regulations to ensure the health, safety, and confidence of our workers, neighbors, and the entire community,” Diana Hahn, director of communications at Hawaiian Ethos, said in a statement. “Our goal is to serve Hawaii Island residents by cultivating and producing a safe, consistent, and high-quality product that meets the medical needs of registered patients.”
Unlike other states in the U.S., Hawaii has exhibited steady progress in addressing the cannabis industry’s obstacles. Senate Bill 2407, which would have allowed cannabis to be used to treat opioid addiction, made its way to Hawaiian Gov. David Ige’s desk before being vetoed earlier this year. Late last year, the state introduced plans for a cashless payment system for medical cannabis purchases.
