The Pacific’s premier cannabis event returns for its 9th annual edition at a potentially historic moment for Hawaii’s cannabis market
The Hawaii Cannabis Expo returns to Honolulu’s Neal S. Blaisdell Exhibition Hall for its 9th annual edition, bringing together cultivators, patients, and industry professionals in the heart of the Pacific during a pivotal moment for Hawaii’s cannabis market. With 60%+ public support for recreational cannabis and Governor Josh Green’s stated backing, this expo could be the last before adult-use becomes reality.
Hawaii’s cannabis landscape shifted significantly in 2025. HB 302 removed the restrictive qualifying condition list, granting healthcare providers full discretion to recommend medical cannabis. Combined with new telehealth certification authorization and Act 046’s expanded caregiver rights, the state has fundamentally changed how patients access cannabis.
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Hawaii holds a unique position as the first state to legalize medical cannabis through legislative action rather than a voter initiative.
For cannabis professionals navigating Hawaii’s unique vertically integrated licensing model, mandatory indoor cultivation requirements, and BioTrack seed-to-sale tracking protocols, the Hawaii Cannabis Expo offers essential networking opportunities and operational intelligence that define successful Pacific cannabis operations.
Hawaii Cannabis Expo 2026 at a Glance 🇺🇸
Dates
January 30 – February 1, 2026
Location
Neal S. Blaisdell Exhibition Hall, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA
Expected Attendance
5,000+ attendees, 150+ exhibitors
Official Website
hawaiicannabisexpo.com
Confirmed
Last verified: December 31, 2025
Honolulu
21.31°N 157.86°W
Who Should Attend Hawaii Cannabis Expo 2026
The Hawaii Cannabis Expo attracts a diverse audience across the cannabis value chain. This event is particularly valuable for:
Medical cannabis operators seeking insights into Pacific market expansion and Hawaii’s vertically integrated licensing model
Cultivators navigating Hawaii’s unique constraints including mandatory indoor cultivation requirements
Compliance officers understanding Hawaii DOH requirements, BioTrack integration, and seed-to-sale protocols
Researchers exploring specialized indoor growing techniques for island environments and humidity management
Investors evaluating Hawaii’s recreational timeline with legislation potentially advancing in 2026
Technology vendors serving vertical-integration operators who need comprehensive cultivation-to-retail solutions
Why Hawaii Cannabis Expo Matters in 2026
The 9th annual Hawaii Cannabis Expo arrives at a potentially historic moment. While HB 2600 and SB 3335 stalled in 2024 after passing the Senate 19-6, legislators plan to introduce new bills in the 2026 session. With 60%+ public support for recreational cannabis and Governor Green’s stated backing, this expo could be the last before adult-use becomes reality.
Expo attendees are actively evaluating recreational market entry timing, vertical integration optimization, inter-island logistics solutions (recent changes now allow wholesale cannabis transport between islands across federal waters – a first in the U.S.), and indoor cultivation technology essential since no outdoor cultivation is permitted despite ideal climate conditions.
HB 302 grants healthcare providers full discretion to recommend medical cannabis for any condition where the benefit would likely outweigh the health risks.
Hawaii HB 302, signed 2025Planning Your Hawaii Cannabis Expo Trip
Whether you’re attending for the first time or returning to expand your network, these practical tips will help you maximize your conference experience.
🏨 Accommodation
- Book Waikiki hotels 2-3 months ahead for late January dates
- The expo coincides with peak tourist season – accommodations fill quickly
- Consider hotels near Blaisdell Center or in Waikiki (15-20 minute drive)
- January is high season in Hawaii – expect premium rates
📆 Schedule Overview
- Friday, January 30: 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM (more business-focused)
- Saturday, January 31: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (larger consumer crowds)
- Sunday, February 1: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Three-Day Pass: $35 | Single Day: $10-$20 | Children Under 12: Free
✈️ Getting There
- Daniel K. Inouye International Airport approximately 15 minutes from venue
- TheBus system serves the Blaisdell Center area
- Uber and Lyft available throughout Honolulu
- On-site parking available at Blaisdell Center
🎪 If You’re Exhibiting
- Booth setup: Thursday, January 29, 2026
- Ship materials 2 weeks ahead (Hawaii shipping requires extra lead time)
- Pack materials appropriate for tropical indoor conditions
- No cannabis products sold, distributed, or gifted on-site
Hawaii’s Cannabis Regulatory Framework
Key Regulatory Topics at Hawaii Cannabis Expo
- Vertical Integration Model: Hawaii operates exclusively on a vertically integrated, limited-license model with 8 statewide licenses covering cultivation, manufacturing, and retail
- BioTrack Seed-to-Sale: Hawaii was the first state to deploy a live cannabis traceability system in a FedRAMP-authorized environment in 2017
- Indoor Cultivation Mandate: All commercial cultivation must be indoor or greenhouse – no outdoor cultivation permitted despite ideal climate
- Inter-Island Transport: Recent legislative changes now allow inter-island wholesale cannabis transport – the first such provision crossing federal waters in the U.S.
All products require DOH-certified laboratory testing before sale. Currently, Spectra Analytical Lab is the only certified testing facility in Hawaii, creating bottlenecks for operators. Testing includes cannabinoid profiles, pesticides, heavy metals, microbial screening, and moisture content.
Related: Understanding Seed-to-Sale Compliance Requirements🏝️ Understanding Hawaii’s Medical Cannabis Framework
- 8 Vertically Integrated Licenses: Hawaii’s limited-license model means each license covers cultivation, manufacturing, and retail operations – no standalone cultivation permits exist
- $1.2M Minimum Resources: License applicants must demonstrate at least $1.2 million in available resources, creating a significant barrier to market entry
- 5-Year Residency Requirement: License holders must demonstrate 5 years of Hawaii residency, limiting mainland operator expansion
- DOH Oversight: The Hawaii Department of Health oversees the medical cannabis program, with strict compliance requirements and regular audits
- BioTrack FedRAMP Environment: Hawaii pioneered federal cloud security standards for cannabis tracking, establishing compliance benchmarks other states now follow
- Single Certified Lab: Spectra Analytical Lab remains the only DOH-certified testing facility, creating potential bottlenecks for operators
- 29,800+ Registered Patients: Hawaii’s medical cannabis program serves nearly 30,000 patients across the island chain
💡 Did You Know?
Hawaii was the first state to legalize medical cannabis through legislative action rather than a voter initiative (2000). This legislative approach has shaped the state’s regulatory philosophy ever since, including the recent HB 302 expansion that removed qualifying condition restrictions entirely.
What This Means for Expo Attendees
- Technology vendors should emphasize BioTrack integration capabilities and FedRAMP compliance
- Cultivation equipment providers should focus on indoor/greenhouse solutions with humidity management
- Mainland operators exploring Hawaii must plan for residency requirements or partnership structures
- Compliance software must handle vertical integration across cultivation, manufacturing, and retail
Key Decisions Facing Hawaii Cannabis Operators
Cannabis professionals face critical strategic decisions in 2026. Expo sessions address these fundamental positioning questions directly:
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Recreational Market Entry Timing
With 60%+ public support and new legislation expected in 2026, operators must decide whether to position now or wait for legislative clarity on adult-use regulations
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Vertical Integration Optimization
Hawaii’s single-license model covering cultivation, manufacturing, and retail requires comprehensive technology solutions that maximize efficiency across the complete value chain
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Inter-Island Logistics Solutions
Recent changes allowing wholesale cannabis transport between islands across federal waters create new supply chain opportunities but require careful compliance documentation
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Indoor Cultivation Technology
Mandatory indoor cultivation despite Hawaii’s ideal growing climate requires sophisticated environmental controls, humidity management, and energy-efficient lighting solutions
What to Prepare Before Hawaii Cannabis Expo 2026
Maximize your expo ROI by arriving prepared. Use this checklist to ensure you’re ready to make the most of every networking opportunity and business meeting.
Documents to Bring
- Business cards with digital portfolio links (QR codes work well)
- Licensing documentation if seeking Hawaii market entry
- Cultivation technology specifications for indoor-only requirements
- Financial statements if exploring partnership opportunities
- 5-year residency proof if applicable to your situation
- Company capability sheets for vertical integration
Questions to Ask Vendors
- What island logistics and inter-island shipping solutions do you offer?
- How does your software integrate with BioTrack Hawaii’s FedRAMP environment?
- What vertical integration solutions cover cultivation, manufacturing, and retail?
- How do you address humidity control for tropical indoor cultivation?
- What compliance reporting automation is available for Hawaii DOH?
- Can you provide references from existing Hawaii operations?
What to Compare
- LIMS systems meeting Hawaii’s testing requirements with Spectra Analytical integration
- Indoor cultivation equipment for tropical climate humidity and temperature
- Seed-to-sale software with native BioTrack integration
- Packaging solutions meeting child-resistant requirements
- Environmental control systems designed for island conditions
- Inter-island logistics and transport compliance solutions
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions from cannabis professionals planning to attend Hawaii Cannabis Expo 2026.
Is the Hawaii Cannabis Expo B2B or consumer-focused?
Both. The expo is open to the public (21+) while also serving B2B networking needs. Expect a mix of industry professionals, medical patients, and cannabis enthusiasts. Friday afternoon tends to be more business-focused, while Saturday draws larger consumer crowds.
Can mainland visitors attend?
Yes. Tickets are available online at theticketing.co and at the door during event hours. No medical card is required to attend the educational expo – it’s open to all adults 21+.
Is cannabis consumption allowed at the venue?
No. The Hawaii Cannabis Expo is an educational and business event. No cannabis products are sold, distributed, or consumed on-site. The focus is on education, culture, history, wellness, and community dialogue.
Do I need a medical card to attend?
No. The expo is open to all adults 21 and over regardless of medical cannabis patient status. However, purchasing from Hawaii dispensaries requires valid 329 card registration.
Who are the notable speakers?
The 2026 edition features industry legends including Ed Rosenthal (“The Guru of Ganja”), Martin A. Lee (Project CBD), Wendy Gibson-Viviani (Medical Cannabis Coalition of Hawaii), and Bonni Goldstein (CannaCenters Wellness & Education).
Are there VIP options?
Yes. Check the official website for current VIP ticket tiers and pricing, which typically include priority access and exclusive networking opportunities. Early bird discount: 10% off with code EARLYBIRD (typically through October 15).
About GrowerIQ at Hawaii Cannabis Expo 2026
GrowerIQ provides seed-to-sale cannabis software built for vertically integrated operations like Hawaii’s licensed operators. Our platform integrates cultivation, manufacturing, and retail tracking with native BioTrack compatibility, helping Hawaii cannabis businesses maintain compliance while optimizing operations across the complete value chain.
For operators evaluating cannabis technology investments at the Hawaii Cannabis Expo, GrowerIQ provides the compliance foundation that Hawaii’s regulatory frameworks require, supporting batch tracking, inventory management, quality assurance documentation, and DOH-aligned reporting workflows.
Ready to Simplify Your Cannabis Compliance?
See how Hawaii cannabis facilities use GrowerIQ to manage BioTrack reporting and seed-to-sale traceability across vertically integrated operations.
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About GrowerIQ
GrowerIQ is a complete cannabis production management platform. Ours is the first platform to integrate your facility systems, including sensors, building controls, QMS, and ERP, into a single simplified interface.
GrowerIQ is changing the way producers use software - transforming a regulatory requirement into a robust platform to learn, analyze, and improve performance.
To find out more about GrowerIQ and how we can help, fill out the form to the right, start a chat, or contact us.
GrowerIQ is changing the way producers use software - transforming a regulatory requirement into a robust platform to learn, analyze, and improve performance.
To find out more about GrowerIQ and how we can help, fill out the form to the right, start a chat, or contact us.