No new medical marijuana certifications will be issued between Dec. 12 and 31, so patients with certifications that expire this month are urged to renew before Dec. 12 with the state Department of Public Safety.

Hawaii’s medical marijuana program, which was established 14 years ago, will be transferred to the Department of Health as of Jan. 1, and state officials will not issue new, one-year certifications during the transition.

Hawaii is among 23 states and the District of Columbia in allowing legal marijuana use for medical reasons.

New patients must have a signed physician’s medical statement before applying for a written certification, which allows for lawful cultivation, possession and use of marijuana for medical purposes.

The Department of Health plans to honor current Department of Public Safety medical marijuana certifications through their expiration date.

The current registration fee to receive a medical marijuana card from the Department of Public Safety is $25. As of Jan. 1 medical marijuana applications then must be submitted through an online process to the Department of Health, and the registration fee will increase to $38.50.

For more information, visit health.hawaii.gov/medicalmarijuana or call the Medical Marijuana Information Hotline for recorded messages at 733-2177. Toll-free numbers have also been established for neighbor island residents: Hawaii Island residents may call 974-4000, ext. 32177; Maui residents may call 984-2400, ext. 32177; and Kauai residents may call 274-3141, ext. 32177.