Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Do I qualify for a medical cannabis card?
A. The state of Hawaii has approved the following medical conditions and symptoms for medical marijuana:
HIV/AIDS
Glaucoma
Cachexia/Wasting Syndrome
Chronic Nausea
Severe Pain
Chronic Muscle Spasms
Seizure Disorders
Inflammatory Bowel Disorders
Multiple Sclerosis
Chronic Headaches
Migraines
Painful Neuropathies and Fibromyalgia
PTSD
If you suffer from any of these conditions and think medical marijuana might be right for you, contact our office to schedule an appointment. If you do not qualify for the 329 medical marijuana card, you will not be charged for the visit.
Q. What is the process for obtaining a medical cannabis card?
A. We make the process for obtaining your medical marijuana card fast and easy. Call or email us to schedule an appointment, and we’ll do the rest! Once you have met with the nurse practitioner and signed the appropriate paperwork, we will submit the application to the State of Hawaii on your behalf, and you should receive your card in approximately 1-2 weeks.
Q. What is the process for renewing a medical cannabis card?
A. The renewal process for medical cards is the same as the original application process. The process and fees are the same. The State of Hawaii has recently approved legislation allowing for 2-year card renewals; however, Green Wave Medical is not currently doing 2-year renewals.
Q. Do I qualify for a 2-year renewal?
A. The State of Hawaii has recently approved a 2-year renewal option; however, Green Wave Medical is not currently doing 2-year renewals, as we like to see our patients to review medical history annually, as is standard medical practice for any prescription. Also, the state requires that you see the same provider every year in order to qualify for a 2-year renewal, and it is probable that you will see multiple providers at Green Wave.
Q. How much does it cost to get a medical marijuana card?
A. The cost to obtain your 329 card through Green Wave Medical is $190 for new patients and $180 for renewals. This includes the $38.50 state fee for the application. If you complete the state application portion yourself on the Medical Cannabis Registry website, the fee due to Green Wave Medical for your visit is $150 for new patients or $140 for renewals. If you see our nurse practitioner, and it is determined that you do not qualify for a medical cannabis card, you will not be charged a fee; however, the state application fee is non-refundable if you complete the online application prior to your visit.
Q. Will I be charged for the appointment if I don’t qualify?
A. No. If our nurse practitioner finds that you do not qualify for a medical marijuana card or that the risks outweigh the benefits in your case, you will not be charged for the visit.
Q. Do I need a referral from my primary doctor or specialist?
A. No, you do not need a referral to be seen at Green Wave Medical; however, we strongly advise that you discuss your intentions to use medical marijuana for your condition with your primary care provider and your specialist(s).
Q. What is a Caregiver?
A. A caregiver is someone who you designate to grow or purchase medical marijuana on your behalf. If you would like to designate a caregiver, be sure you mention this when you make your appointment. Your caregiver will have to come to the appointment with you. There is no extra fee for assigning a caregiver.
Q. How long does it take to get my card?
A. Once we submit your paperwork to the state, it takes 1-2 weeks to receive your card in the mail.
Q. What are your hours?
A. As a general rule, we see patients on Fridays during regular business hours. Depending on the number of patients scheduled, we may open later or close earlier than our posted office times. While our appointment line hours are typically Monday-Friday from 1:30PM-6:00PM, these hours may vary, so if you get our voicemail, please leave a message and we will get back to you within 24 business hours (most calls are returned within a few hours).
Q. Do you have walk-in appointments?
A. Our office hours are by appointment only, and as a general rule, we do not accept walk-in appointments. However, if you are in the area on a Friday and want to be seen, give us a call. We can often squeeze you in same day. We try to be very accommodating, so we will fit you in if at all possible!
Q. What is your cancellation policy?
A. Because we only see patients two days per week, we request 48-hour notice for cancellations.
Q. Do you have evening/weekend appointments?
A. We currently see patients during regular business hours on Fridays only; however, if you are an existing Green Wave patient looking for a renewal, and you are comfortable filling out the online application for the Hawaii Medical Cannabis Registry on your own, we do have telehealth appointments available. Telehealth appointments will require a video visit, so you will need a smart phone with video capability if you choose this option.
Q. Do you have telehealth appointments?
A. If you are an existing Green Wave patient looking for a renewal, and you are comfortable filling out the online application for the Hawaii Medical Cannabis Registry on your own, we do have telehealth appointments available. Telehealth appointments will require a video visit, so you will need a smart phone with video capability if you choose this option.
Q. Do you still do home visits?
A. We do not typically do home visits; however, if you have a group of 8 or more patients that qualify for the 329 card and would like to set up a group appointment offsite, contact our office to discuss availability.
Q. What should I bring to my appointment?
A. The most important things to bring to your appointment are your photo ID (driver’s license, state ID, or passport are the only forms of ID accepted) and your caregiver, if applicable. If you have medical records regarding your condition or can obtain them before your appointment, we encourage you to bring them; however, we do not require that all patients bring medical records to their appointments. If we feel documentation is needed prior to approving your card, the provider will discuss this with you at the time of the visit.
Q. What payment methods to you accept?
A. We accept cash, credit, and debit cards. Sorry, no checks.
Q. Once I have my card, where can I get marijuana?
A. There are 8 dispensary locations on the island of Oahu:
Noa Botanicals, McCully, Kaneohe, Aiea
Aloha Green Apothecary, McCully, Airport, Waikiki
Cure Oahu, Kapahulu, Kapolei
You can also grow your own marijuana or designate a caregiver to grow on your behalf. You will need to know if you plan to grow or plan to have a caregiver grow for you prior to your appointment. If you are designating a caregiver, that person must come to the appointment with you. The state has strict regulations regarding growing and tagging marijuana plants, so if you plan to grow, please visit the State of Hawaii website.
Q. Where can I use medical marijuana?
A. Medical marijuana should be used on private property only, with the approval of the property owner, if it is not your property. It should never be used in public or in a vehicle. In addition, you cannot legally transport medical marijuana on public transportation, i.e. Da Bus.
Q. Can I travel with my medical marijuana?
A. It is illegal to take your cannabis products onto an airplane because air space is federal territory, and medical marijuana is not federally legal. It is also illegal to possess marijuana in states that do not recognize it as medicinally or recreationally legal. Do your research before traveling – all states have different laws and regulations.
Q. How much marijuana am I allowed to have in my possession as a 329 cardholder?
A. Registered medical cannabis users are allowed to grow up to 10 plants, have up to 4 total ounces of marijuana in their home/grow site, and up to 1 ounce of marijuana on their person outside of the home. Marijuana should be transported in a sealed container, in privately-owned transportation only, and should not be used anywhere in public. Marijuana should not be used at any time when you are operating, or plan to operate, a motor vehicle or heavy equipment.
Q. How many plants can I grow if I registered a grow site?
A. Each 329 cardholder who registers a grow site is allowed to grow up to 10 plants. If you are a cardholder and also a caregiver for someone else, you are allowed to grow 10 plants for each of you. It is very important to tag the plants correctly. Visit the state resource on tagging requirements for more info.
Q. Can I grow marijuana plants for someone else?
A. You can only grow marijuana plants for someone else if you are listed as their designated caregiver through the State of Hawaii Medical Cannabis Registry Program. If you are the designated caregiver, you can grow up to 10 marijuana plants for the patient. If you are also a 329 cardholder, you can still grow up to 10 plants for yourself as well – you just need to be sure that all of the plants are tagged with the correct information. Visit the state resource on tagging requirements for more info.
Q. Do I have to label the plants I grow?
A. Yes, there are strict tagging instructions required for marijuana plants. Visit the state resource on tagging requirements for more info.
Q. I lost my card. How do I get a new one?
A. You must contact the State of Hawaii directly in order to obtain a copy of your medical cannabis card. The state requires you fill out a Change Form Packet and submit to the Medical Cannabis Registry Program, along with a $16.50 processing fee. Your medical provider cannot assist with this process. If you filled out the state application online yourself and received a digital card, you can log into your Medical Cannabis Registry account and request the changes online.
Q. My address has changed. How can I make changes to my card?
A. You must contact the State of Hawaii directly in order to make changes to your medical cannabis card. The state requires you fill out a Change Form Packet and submit to the Medical Cannabis Registry Program, along with a $16.50 processing fee. Your medical provider cannot assist with this process. If you filled out the state application online yourself and received a digital card, you can log into your Medical Cannabis Registry account and request the changes online.
Q. How can I contact the State of Hawaii regarding my medical cannabis registration/card?
A. You can call the info line at (808) 733-2177, visit the state website, or you can email them (best option).
Q. Where can I learn more about medical marijuana?
A. We recommend visiting the Weedmaps website to learn about the different strains of marijuana and the different healing properties associated with the different strains. Your local dispensaries can also provide education when you go in to make a purchase.