About UsEffective Change, LLC is a Maui Medicinal Cannabis Evaluation Center All Maui residents seeking a medical cannabis certificate (known as the 329 card, named after the State law chapter 329 that legalizes medicinal cannabis) should contact Matthew Brittain or Jonelle and the helpful staff at Effective Change, LLC. With their main office located in Hilo, they now compassionately provide services on Maui as well as the other main Hawai’i islands. Effective Change is run by a core medical team of four; Dr. Christopher Lawinski, MD; Matthew Brittain, LCSW, and our staff Jonelle and Tatiana. Effective Change also has, as part of their team, administrative support on Maui, O’ahu, Moloka’i and Kaua’i. Lesly Mae Brittain, RN, BSN, also works as part of the team on occasion. Effective Change prides themselves on their ethnic diversity too: African, Caucasian, Filipino, Hawaiian, Korean! Regardless of origin, they support and share all things cannabis. Their team has served Maui and the rest of Hawai’i longer than any other medicinal cannabis evaluation centers across the state. Patients residing on Maui who find themselves curious about medicinal cannabis’ holistic approach should contact Effective Change with any questions or concerns. They are there to help and support you in your cannabis-related issues. History: Effective Change has served the people of Hawai’i with pride and confidence for nearly two decades. Its founder, Matthew Brittain, has been Hawai’i’s chief medical marijuana advocate since founding his Hilo medicinal cannabis evaluation center in 2002. In 2006 he expanded to include O’ahu and Kaua’i, in 2007 he included Moloka’i, and in 2010 he brought Maui into the fold as well. Effective Change’s medicinal cannabis story begins with Matthew’s mother: she was the first to sign up for the state’s Medical Marijuana Registry Program. However, her state-certified physician, Dr. Wenner, passed away which prevented her and others from renewing their cannabis registry cards. Matthew decided to provide continuity of care for what patients he could and established Effective Change in Hilo to re-certify those Hawai’i residents in need. In the years since, he and Dr. Lawinski have worked together to afford their fellow Hawai’i residents compassionate, patient-first service. Procedure: To obtain a medical marijuana recommendation in the state of Hawai’i, first see a state-approved doctor like Dr. Lawinski at Effective Change. Once the patient has been verified for medicinal cannabis use, he or she will receive a medical cannabis recommendation which, in turn, must then be registered with Hawai’i’s Medical Marijuana Registry Program. Once complete, Hawai’i’s Department of Health will issue the patient a 329 Registration Card. Patients in possession of this card are allowed by the state to purchase cannabis treatments from medical marijuana dispensaries statewide. Local Legislation: It is important to note that out of state residents cannot obtain medicinal cannabis recommendations. Hawai’i’s medicinal cannabis laws require that patients must have state-issued identification; this identification, however, requires that patients have permanent Hawai’i addresses. Hawai’i also requires that prospective medical cannabis patients suffer from debilitating conditions, chronic pain, and a handful of illnesses in order to register for medical medical cannabis use. To view this list, refer to the Department of Health’s website for an in-depth look. Should patients from any Hawaiian island find themselves eligible for medicinal marijuana use, contact Effective Change via email or telephone to schedule a consultation. It’s worth noting that Hawai’i law only allows for patients to possess what they deem to be an “adequate supply” of medical cannabis. This limit cannot exceed: four ounces of usable cannabis and/or seven marijuana plants, regardless of their maturity. Hawai’i also only allows for its patients to hold dried cannabis flowers or any preparation or mixture thereof. Paraphernalia relating to medicinal marijuana’s administration is also legal, but the aforementioned items must be appropriate for medical use. Public use is also considered illegal. Keep an eye out for Senate Bill 548 introduced by Sen. Kalani English (D-East Maui), along with nine other co-sponsors, in February 2017. It would legalize marijuana for recreational use statewide in Hawai’i. Service Locations: Effective Change is Hawai’i’s exclusive island-wide medical marijuana certification center. Centered in Hilo, the Effective Change team hops from island to island to provide their consultation and certification services. From the road to Hana to the inhabitants beneath Red Hill, Haleakala and the Koolau Forest Reserve all fall under the purview of Effective Change. Beachgoers in Maalaea and Lahaina, even those who find themselves on the northern end of the island in Paia and Kahului can visit Matthew Brittain and co. for medical cannabis assistance. As noted above, Effective Change’s reach extends across every island, excepting Lanai, so even if you’re hillside bound in Olowalu, Effective Change has you covered. Location Information: Maui, a name synonymous with tropical paradise, is one of Hawai’i’s most popular islands. If you’re feeling adventurous and slightly daring, drive the road to Hana, one of the most infamous roads west of the Mississippi; the waterfalls and luscious greenery astride some of the most gorgeous tropical beaches imaginable make the trip worth it. If hiking appeals to your sensibilities, get up early to catch the sunrise from Haleakala summit. The sands and water of Ka’anapali Beach in Lahaina are a must-see for visitors to Maui, but so too is Napili Beach. It’s nearly impossible to go wrong on this island. Nearly every square inch is the stuff of national treasure.
