Hawaii’s Department of Health (DOH) has adopted interim rules for hemp processing, which took effect Aug. 9.
The new rules restrict the sale of food and beverages that contain cannabinoids and other hemp derivatives, cannabinoid vape liquids and “products that are intended to be introduced into the body via eyes, ears, nasal cavities and other non-oral routes of entry.” DOH also reaffirmed a smokable hemp ban previously enacted by the Hawaii Legislature.
Within the edible and ingestible category, the new rules limit product manufacturing to “tablet, capsule, powder, softgel, gelcap or liquid form (e.g., hemp oil) to be used by the consumer to infuse edible items at home for personal use.”
Contrasting with several of the interim rules for hemp processors, Hawaii’s medical cannabis program allows the sale of cannabis flower, concentrates and vape liquids, and last year permitted the sale of numerous edible products such as gummies.
Under the new hemp processing rules, Hawaii hemp processors will be required to undergo annual registration and pay $500 to receive or renew a certificate of registration. Processors are unable to transfer certificates of registration to other people.
Laboratories that conduct product tests must be ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accredited. Contamination testing is required, per the rule, which outlines the limits for numerous heavy metals, pesticides, solvents and microbiological contaminants.
Addressing the importance of compliance, a DOH summary of the new rules states, “Retailers found selling hemp products out of compliance may be subject to penalties up to $10,000 for each offense, including product removal from sale.”
