Washington State Senate lawmakers have sent the governor a bill to allow terminally ill patients to use medical cannabis in healthcare facilities such as hospitals, nursing homes and hospices.
The legislation, sponsored by Rep. Shelley Kloba (D), was passed by the Senate in a 46-2 vote on Tuesday after having previously been passed by the full House of Representatives in a vote of 89-6 last month. It next heads to the desk of Gov. Bob Ferguson (D).
If enacted in to law, the legislation would mandate that hospitals and other specified healthcare facilities allow terminally ill patients to use medical marijuana on the premises beginning on January 1, 2027, subject to certain rules and restrictions.
“The medical use of cannabis may support improved quality of life for a qualifying patient…with a terminal condition,” the bill’s text says. “It is the intent of the legislature to promote dignity and comfort for terminally ill patients while maintaining the integrity and safety of health care environments.”
Sen. Annette Cleveland (D) said on the Senate floor ahead of the vote that the bill “truly can improve quality of life for patients as they face their final days.”
Under HB 2152, patients and their caregivers
Read full article on Marijuana Moment
