Ryan’s Law: Expanding Medical Marijuana Access for Terminally Ill Patients in Hospitals

As of February 28, 2026, a growing number of states are considering legislation, often referred to as “Ryan’s Law,” to allow seriously ill patients to access and use medical marijuana within hospitals and other healthcare facilities. This movement aims to provide comfort and relief to those facing terminal illnesses, addressing a gap in care where patients may be forced to discontinue legally authorized cannabis regimens upon hospital admission.

The Origins of Ryan’s Law

Ryan’s Law is named after a young medical cannabis patient in California who tragically passed away. The core principle behind the legislation is to prevent similar situations where terminally ill individuals are denied access to a treatment that provides them with relief from pain, nausea, or anxiety. The Ryan’s Law Foundation was founded in memory of this patient and is actively working to expand this legislation to all 50 states.

State-by-State Progress (February 2026)

The 2026 legislative session has seen significant activity regarding Ryan’s Law across the United States. Here’s a breakdown of the current status in several states:

Connecticut

Connecticut lawmakers held a hearing on House Bill 5242 (HB 5242), which would allow terminally ill patients to access non-smokable cannabis products in healthcare facilities. Though, the bill includes a provision allowing facilities to suspend cannabis access if federal agencies, such as the Justice Department or Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), initiate enforcement actions or issue guidance prohibiting such access. Erin Gorman Kirk, Connecticut’s Cannabis Ombudsman, highlighted that current policies force patients to abandon their legally authorized regimens upon hospital admission.

Hawaii

In Hawaii, Senate Bill 2408 (SB 2408) has advanced through the Senate Judiciary Committee. This bill aims to support the ability of terminally ill patients and qualifying patients over sixty-five years of age with chronic diseases to safely use medical cannabis within specified healthcare facilities, specifically residential centers offering non-institutional, homelike care. Smoking or vaping would be prohibited, and facilities would not be required to recommend medical cannabis. Similar to Connecticut, the bill allows for suspension of the policy if federal enforcement action is taken.

Mississippi

Mississippi experienced a setback as a House-passed bill to allow terminally ill patients access to medical marijuana in healthcare facilities was rejected by a Senate committee. Concerns were raised about potential liability issues for medical professionals and potential interactions between cannabis and other medications. Despite passing the House with a significant majority, the Senate committee voted against the measure.

Oregon

Oregon’s Senate Health Care Committee approved House Bill 4142 (HB 4142), which would allow patients with debilitating medical conditions to access medical marijuana in hospices, palliative care, and residential facilities. The bill also prohibits the Oregon State Board of Nursing from disciplining nurses who discuss medical cannabis use with patients. The legislation is set to become operative on January 1, 2027, if enacted.

Virginia

Virginia lawmakers have reached a compromise on legislation (SB 332 and HB 75) to expand existing protections for patients using medical cannabis in hospices, nursing homes, and assisted living facilities to include hospitals. A working group will be established under the Department of Health to develop guidelines for implementation and address potential conflicts with federal law.

Washington State

In Washington State, a House-passed bill (HB 2152) is under consideration in the Senate. This bill would mandate that hospitals and other healthcare facilities allow terminally ill patients to use medical marijuana on the premises, with specific rules regarding secure storage and prohibiting smoking or vaping. Facilities could suspend permission if federal enforcement action is initiated.

Federal Considerations and Concerns

A significant challenge to implementing Ryan’s Law is the conflict between state laws and federal regulations. Medical marijuana remains a Schedule I drug at the federal level. Healthcare facilities that receive Medicare and/or Medicaid funding are generally required to comply with federal laws, leading many to adopt policies prohibiting cannabis on their premises out of fear of losing funding. However, CMS has stated it is not aware of any provider that has lost funding for permitting medical cannabis use and would not cite facilities unless the US Department of Justice (US DOJ) interferes with state medical cannabis laws.

Looking Ahead

The momentum behind Ryan’s Law demonstrates a growing recognition of the potential benefits of medical cannabis for seriously ill patients. As more states consider and enact similar legislation, it is likely that the debate surrounding federal regulations will intensify, potentially paving the way for broader access to medical cannabis for those in need.