Louisiana Advances Bill to Allow Terminally Ill Patients to Use Medical Marijuana in Hospitals
A bill aimed at allowing patients with terminal and irreversible conditions to use medical marijuana in hospitals has cleared a major hurdle in Louisiana. The House Health and Welfare Committee unanimously approved the legislation, which has already passed the Senate, with a 10-0 vote on Tuesday.
The proposal, sponsored by Senator Katrina Jackson-Andrews (D), would require hospitals to establish written guidelines for patients to consume medical cannabis on-site, excluding smoking and vaping. The bill also clarifies that patients and their primary caregivers are responsible for acquiring and administering the medication, which must be stored securely in a locked container.
Healthcare professionals and staff would be prohibited from assisting patients with medical marijuana use. The legislation includes an amendment that allows hospitals to opt out of the policy if federal officials take action against any healthcare facility in the state over medical cannabis use.
The bill’s sponsor emphasized that it was brought forth at the request of constituents who believe that medical marijuana, which is already legal in the state, should be offered in hospitals to patients who are terminally ill or in need of comfort.
The development comes as Louisiana lawmakers are considering several other drug policy bills, including a proposal to create a psychedelic-assisted therapy pilot program and a bill to study the potential legalization of recreational marijuana. However, advocates are also concerned about a measure that would criminalize marijuana use within 2,000 feet of a school property, including a college campus.
Additionally, a lawmaker has introduced a bill to create an adult-use marijuana legalization pilot program in the state to determine whether the reform should be expanded and permanently codified.
