Washington House Committee Advances Bill Allowing Medical Marijuana Use for Terminal Patients in Care Facilities

Legislation to require certain health care facilities in Washington to allow terminally ill patients to use medical marijuana was just given approval by the House Health Care and Wellness Committee. The bipartisan measure, House Bill 2152, is sponsored by State Representatives Shelley Kloba (D) and Skyler Rude (R). Committee approval moves the proposal closer to consideration by the full House during the 2026 legislative session, which begins in January.

As written, the bill would require licensed hospitals, nursing homes and hospice care centers to adopt policies allowing the medical use of marijuana by qualifying patients with terminal conditions beginning January 1, 2027. The proposal is framed around improving comfort and preserving dignity for patients near the end of life, while still allowing facilities to maintain safety and operational standards.

Facilities would be required to set clear guidelines governing how medical marijuana may be used on site. Smoking or vaping would be prohibited, even if those are the patient’s typical methods of consumption. Use would need to be documented in the patient’s medical records, and patients would be required to present valid medical authorization.

The legislation places responsibility for obtaining, administering and removing marijuana on the patient or a designated provider, not on facility staff. Health care workers, including physicians and nurses, would be barred from administering marijuana, and sharing marijuana among patients or visitors would be prohibited. Any remaining marijuana would need to be removed upon discharge or disposed of as medical waste if removal is not possible.

The bill also includes protections for facilities, stating they would not lose licensure for noncompliance and allowing temporary suspension of the requirements if federal authorities take enforcement action. Emergency departments and patients receiving emergency care would be exempt.

If ultimately enacted, the measure would represent a notable shift in how medical marijuana is handled within Washington health care facilities, particularly for patients receiving end-of-life care.