Rhode Island lawmakers are moving forward with a new bill that would require healthcare facilities to allow terminally ill patients to use medical marijuana. The proposed legislation represents a growing recognition that patients facing end-of-life conditions deserve full access to all available treatments—including cannabis.
Under current law, hospitals, nursing homes, and other healthcare facilities in Rhode Island are not required to permit the use of medical marijuana, even for patients who are registered and legally certified to use it. This has created barriers for terminally ill individuals who rely on cannabis to manage pain, nausea, anxiety, and other symptoms associated with serious conditions.
The new bill would change that by mandating that licensed healthcare facilities accommodate medical marijuana use for patients who are certified under Rhode Island’s Medical Marijuana Program. It would allow patients to possess and use non-smokable forms of cannabis, such as edibles, oils, tinctures, or capsules, within the healthcare setting. Facilities would still have the right to set reasonable guidelines, but they could no longer ban access altogether.
Supporters argue that the bill is about dignity and compassionate care. Terminally ill patients often struggle with intense physical and emotional suffering. Denying them access to a legal, doctor-recommended treatment only compounds their hardship. Allowing medical cannabis use could improve quality of life, ease suffering, and help patients maintain comfort and peace in their final days.
Critics have raised concerns about regulatory compliance and the potential risks of introducing cannabis into medical settings. However, the bill is written carefully to ensure that patient safety and facility guidelines remain a priority. It also restricts use to patients who are already certified and requires that medical marijuana be stored safely and securely.
Rhode Island has been a leader in cannabis reform, legalizing medical marijuana in 2006 and adult-use cannabis in 2022. This bill builds on that progress, showing that the state remains committed to protecting patient rights and expanding access to compassionate care.
As the debate continues, advocates hope Rhode Island will set a national example. In a time when cannabis is increasingly recognized for its therapeutic benefits, ensuring that terminally ill patients can access it when they need it most is a vital step forward.
For more on topics like these, check this link out FORMER CANNABIS PRISONERS RALLY AT WHITE HOUSE, URGE BIDEN TO FREE OTHERS LEFT BEHIND
