California: Medical Cannabis Used in Hospitals Legislation Signed

BY: Chronic Staff | Recent News | October 20, 2021

Governor Gavin Newsom (D) has signed the legislation into law allowing the use of medical cannabis products within hospitals and other health care facilities.

Senate Bill 311 (Ryan’s Law) provides for terminally ill patients’ use of medicinal cannabis within a health care facility. This prohibits inhaling or vaping herbal cannabis products and restricts use in emergency rooms.

The lead sponsor of this bill, Senator Hueso, said that this is a simple but critical move that provides relief, compassion, and dignity to terminally ill Californians.

Some states like Connecticut and Maine have enacted legislation permitting the use of eligible cannabis products for hospitalized patients under certain circumstances.

In addition, California NORML Deputy Director Ellen Komp said that federal law and other industry regulations continue to delay consumers’ rights to use medical and recreational marijuana, in California and other places. They are still working towards the rights of employees and patients to safely and effectively consume marijuana. There were 750 letters to Gov. Newsom on SB 311 through the Action Alert.

Needless to say, there are lawmakers who passed almost similar legislation in 2019 but then vetoed by Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom who was concerned that it would create conflict between federal and state law. The sponsor of the bill inquired to the Department of Health and Human Services if allowing such use on hospitals can jeopardize facilities’ federal funding.