Hawaii House Bill 1542, introduced by Representative Gregg Takayama (D), would allow terminally ill patients and qualifying patients over the age of 65 with chronic diseases to use medical cannabis inside certain licensed health care facilities, including hospitals, nursing homes, hospices, and home health settings, under defined conditions. This week the proposal was given approval by the House Committee on Health, moving it closer to a vote by the full House.
The measure creates what it calls the Compassionate Access to Medical Cannabis Act, establishing a new section of state law that clarifies when and how medical cannabis may be used inside health care facilities. Under the bill, patients who meet the eligibility criteria and have a valid physician or advanced practice registered nurse certification could continue using their state-authorized medical cannabis while admitted to a covered facility, rather than losing access upon entry.
Health care facilities that choose to allow medical cannabis use would be required to follow specific rules. The cannabis could not be stored, handled, or administered by facility staff. Instead, responsibility for obtaining, storing, and administering the product would rest solely with the patient or a designated caregiver. Facilities would also retain authority to prohibit smoking or vaping in accordance with existing smoke-free laws and safety policies.
The bill excludes certain settings from the requirement, including chemical dependency recovery hospitals, state hospitals, and emergency departments while a patient is receiving emergency care. It also includes language allowing facilities to suspend compliance if a federal agency were to initiate enforcement action or issue guidance that directly conflicts with state law.
By creating a clear framework for when medical cannabis use may occur in hospitals, nursing homes, and similar settings, the proposal aims to ensure continuity of care for patients who rely on cannabis to manage pain, nausea, appetite loss, anxiety, seizures, and other symptoms associated with chronic and terminal illnesses.
If approved by lawmakers and signed into law, the measure would take effect July 1, 2030.
