Lawmakers in Washington State have approved a proposal that would allow patients with terminal illnesses to use medical marijuana in certain healthcare facilities, including hospices, hospitals, and nursing homes. The measure now awaits action from Governor Bob Ferguson.
The bill, introduced by Representative Shelley Kloba, cleared the state Senate with a 46 to 2 vote and the House by a margin of 89 to 6.
If the governor signs the measure, hospices, hospitals, and nursing homes across the state would be required to allow qualified patients with terminal conditions to use medical marijuana at those locations beginning January next year. The policy would apply only under defined conditions intended to maintain safety within healthcare environments.
According to the legislation, the use of cannabis for medical purposes may help improve comfort and overall well-being for people facing terminal conditions. Lawmakers said the proposal aims to support dignity and relief for patients during their final stage of life while still protecting safety standards in medical environments.
Under the proposal, patients would not receive cannabis directly from healthcare facilities. Instead, individuals or their designated caregivers would be responsible for obtaining the product, bringing it to the facility, and assisting with its use. The cannabis would need to be kept in a locked container whenever it is not being used.
Smoking and vaping would not be allowed inside the facilities. Patients would have to rely on other forms, such as edibles, oils, or similar alternatives. Cannabis will not be shared among patients, visitors, or staff. The policy would also not apply to individuals being treated in hospital emergency departments.
Facilities would be required to confirm that patients have proper authorization for medical cannabis use. Staff members would also have to document that use in the patient’s medical record. Each facility would need to establish a formal policy outlining how medical cannabis may be used on-site.
The legislation also provides flexibility if federal agencies intervene. Hospitals or care centers could temporarily halt cannabis use if federal authorities, such as the Justice Department, take enforcement action or issue guidance prohibiting the practice in healthcare facilities.
Lawmakers made several adjustments to the bill during the legislative process. One amendment exempts nursing homes run by residential rehabilitation centers from the requirement. Other changes clarify that the rules apply only to patients formally admitted to a hospital and confirm that patients and caregivers must handle transportation of the cannabis product themselves.
Similar policies already exist in several other states, including California. Often referred to as Ryan’s Law, it is named after Ryan Bartell, a cancer patient whose family pushed for expanded access to medical cannabis during end-of-life care.
Bartell’s father, Jim Bartell, had sought permission for his son to receive cannabis treatment while hospitalized. At first, the request was denied. Eventually, the family located a facility that allowed it. According to Bartell, the treatment helped his son remain alert and communicate more comfortably with loved ones during his final days.
Such regulatory reforms premised on compassionate grounds are a welcome development to major players in the medical marijuana industry, such as Trulieve Cannabis Corp. (CSE: TRUL) (OTCQX: TCNNF) that focus on making marijuana products formulated to help in the management of various symptoms.
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