A Kauai dispensary plans to open soon, but Big Island dispensaries have yet to start growing their first crop.

A measure to ensure that driving under the influence of marijuana remains illegal also addresses other substances.

Key Hawaii legislators in both chambers also support workplace protections for employees who consume medical cannabis.

The licensing and inspection programs remain very short-staffed, but pot shop owners are pleased by the state’s recruitment efforts.

Cannabis advocates may try to strengthen patient protections in workplaces and public housing during the next legislative session.

Some say the department’s policy of sending letters to patients is an escalation of efforts to deny gun permits.

Almost 500 people connected with more than 50 entities sought approval to run dispensaries, including lawyers, lobbyists and politicians.