Colorado Bill Aims to Allow Medical Marijuana in Hospitals, But Hurdles Remain
A new bill in the Colorado state legislature seeks to permit certain hospital and healthcare facility patients to use medical marijuana, but the path to passage is uncertain. Senate Bill 26-007, introduced by State Senator Kyle Mullica, would allow terminally ill patients registered with Colorado’s Medical Marijuana Registry to use non-smokable, non-vaping products with the recommendation of their doctor.
The bill would require hospitals and healthcare facilities to develop guidelines for staff, patients, and families on the use of medical marijuana, and patients would need to store their medication in a locked container. However, hospitals and clinics would not be forced to comply with the new rules, and the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment would not require compliance as a condition of licensing.
The bill’s drafters acknowledge that “certain parameters” must be met, and the measure has yet to be scheduled for a hearing with the Senate Health & Human Services Committee. The Colorado Hospital Association is the only group registered with a position on the bill, and it has not responded to a request for comment.
Medical marijuana has shown promise in palliative care, with patients reporting positive treatment effects and a growing interest in using cannabis for symptom management. However, further research is needed to support its use in clinical settings. If passed, the bill could provide a level of comfort and relief for people nearing the end of their lives.
The bill’s sponsor, Senator Mullica, is a licensed trauma nurse and has been a leading advocate for physician-led healthcare. His office has not responded to a request for comment. The bill’s fate remains uncertain, but it marks an important step in the ongoing debate over medical marijuana’s role in healthcare.
