Rhode Island lawmakers have introduced House Bill 5630, also known as the Compassionate Access to Medical Cannabis Act, which would allow terminally ill patients to use medical marijuana in certain healthcare facilities.
Cannabis tincture.
The bill, introduced today with ten sponsors led by State Representative Susan Donovan, has been referred to the House Health & Human Services Committee for consideration.
Under the proposed legislation, healthcare facilities would be required to permit medical marijuana use by terminally ill patients while maintaining specific restrictions. The bill prohibits smoking or vaping as a method of consumption, mandates that patients provide identification and medical marijuana documentation, and requires that cannabis be stored securely. Facilities must also establish written guidelines to regulate its use within their premises.
The bill does not obligate healthcare facilities to provide marijuana to patients or include it in discharge plans. Additionally, compliance with the law would not be a condition for licensing. Facilities could also suspend compliance if federal authorities take action against state medical marijuana programs.
If enacted, the bill would take effect immediately.
