Delaware legislators are reviewing a proposal that would permit terminally ill patients to use medical cannabis within hospitals and other licensed healthcare facilities. The measure, Senate Bill 226, was discussed this week before the Senate Health and Social Services Committee.
Sponsored by Senator Marie Pinkney, the bill seeks to address a gap in current state policy that prevents registered medical marijuana patients from accessing their treatment while admitted to healthcare institutions. If approved, patients enrolled in Delaware’s medical cannabis program would be allowed to bring and use their prescribed cannabis products during hospital stays. A designated caregiver could assist with administration, while hospital staff would not be responsible for storing or administering the cannabis.
The legislation would prohibit smoking and vaping on hospital grounds, requiring the use of non-inhalable forms such as oils, tinctures, capsules, or edibles. Healthcare facilities would be required to document cannabis use in patient medical records and develop internal policies governing how the law would be implemented. Providers would still have the authority to restrict or prohibit cannabis use if they determine it could interfere with treatment or conflict with federal healthcare regulations.
Supporters of the measure say it would ensure continuity of care for seriously ill patients who rely on medical cannabis to manage pain and other symptoms. Advocates note that similar policies, often referred to as “Ryan’s Law,” have been adopted in other states to protect patient access in end-of-life and critical care situations.
While the proposal has received backing from patient advocates, lawmakers agreed to delay a final committee vote to allow time for further consultation with medical professionals and healthcare organizations. Some representatives from the medical community have raised concerns about regulatory compliance and institutional liability.
Delaware’s debate reflects a broader national conversation about how medical cannabis laws intersect with hospital policies and federal healthcare rules. Lawmakers in several states are considering similar measures aimed at ensuring that seriously ill patients do not lose access to physician-recommended cannabis treatment when entering clinical care.
Dabbin-Dad Newsroom
Delaware Lawmakers Consider Allowing Medical Cannabis Use in Hospitals for Terminally Ill Patients
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