Bill > SB5900

This bill aims to allow qualifying patients with terminal conditions to use medical cannabis in certain healthcare facilities, specifically hospitals, nursing homes, and hospice care centers, starting January 1, 2027. The legislation requires these facilities to develop policies that permit medical cannabis use while maintaining patient and facility safety, with several key requirements: smoking and vaping are prohibited, medical cannabis must be documented in patient records, patients must provide a valid authorization, patients or their designated providers are responsible for acquiring and administering cannabis, cannabis must be stored securely in a locked container, healthcare staff cannot administer cannabis, patients cannot share cannabis, and any remaining cannabis must be removed upon patient discharge. The bill prohibits these policies from applying to emergency departments and ensures that compliance will not affect a facility's licensing. Additionally, if federal agencies initiate enforcement actions or issue prohibitive rules, facilities may suspend compliance. The underlying intent is to promote dignity and comfort for terminally ill patients while respecting the medical use of cannabis within healthcare environments.

Health and Social Services

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5900&Year=2025&Initiative=false