California Governor, Gavin Newsom (D) recently signed legislation into effect that would permit hospitals, as well as specific California healthcare facilities, to administer medical cannabis products.
Senate Bill 311
Senate Bill 311, also known as “Ryan’s Law,” would allow patients under certain circumstances, alongside those who are terminally ill, to receive medical cannabis treatment. Although the bill proposes the use of cannabis within medical facilities, patients will not be able to inhale or vape the product as a treatment method. In addition, healthcare facilities don’t need to provide medical cannabis products.
Such treatment options, furthermore, do not apply to patients receiving emergency care. Instead, patients under specific circumstances may now legally use medical cannabis within a healthcare facility for pain management and other applicable medical purposes. These patients certainly include those battling a terminal illness or in hospice.
Photo by CRYSTALWEED cannabis on Unsplash
Senate Bill 311 / “Ryan’s Law” Support
The bill’s lead sponsor, California Senator Benjamin Hueso, said in a statement, “it is inconceivable to me that, in a state where medical cannabis was legalized more than 25 years ago, those in deepest suffering receiving treatment in our state’s healthcare facilities cannot access this proven, effective, and prescribed treatment. Instead, terminally-ill patients in California healthcare facilities are given heavy opiates that rob them of their precious last moments with family and friends. This is a simple, yet critical, move that will provide relief, compassion, and dignity to terminally-ill Californians.”
Ellen Komp, Deputy Director of The National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML) California, also spoke out on the bill. “Federal law and various industry regulations continue to impede consumers’ rights to use medical and recreational marijuana, in California and elsewhere. Cal NORML continues to work towards the rights of employees and patients to safely and effectively consume cannabis. Cal NORML supporters sent in 750 letters to Gov. Newsom on SB 311 via our Action Alert.”
This Bill was Previously Pushed, Albeit Unsuccessfully
A related piece of legislation related to Senate Bill 311 was previously initiated in 2019. It was expressly vetoed by Governor Gavin Newson because of concerns regarding conflicts between federal and state law. One of many initial concerns was whether approval would consequently prevent hospitals and healthcare facilities from receiving federal funding. As of now, there are several states that have enacted laws explicitly allowing the use of medical marijuana within healthcare facilities and hospitals under specific patient circumstances. This presently includes Connecticut and Maine.
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