Bill > A08469

This bill amends the New York public health law to authorize terminally ill patients to use medical cannabis (marijuana) while receiving care in hospitals and nursing homes, with several important provisions and restrictions. Specifically, the bill requires healthcare facilities to permit medical cannabis use by terminally ill patients, with guidelines that prohibit smoking or vaping, mandate the patient's medical records reflect such use, require patients to show a valid registry identification card, and establish protocols for storing medical cannabis in a locked container. The facilities must also develop written guidelines for medical cannabis use within their premises. The bill explicitly does not allow facilities to be required to recommend medical cannabis and does not modify existing laws about cannabis cultivation, possession, distribution, or use. Key definitions are provided, including specifying that "terminally ill" and "medical cannabis" have the same meanings as defined in the cannabis law, and "health care facility" refers to hospitals and nursing homes. The legislation aims to provide terminally ill patients with access to medical cannabis while maintaining a structured and regulated approach within healthcare settings.

Health and Social Services

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A8469