Oregon House Approves Medical Marijuana Access Bill for Care Facilities in 39 to 3 Vote

The Oregon House has approved House Bill 4142 in a decisive 39 to 3 vote, advancing legislation that would expand protections and access for medical marijuana patients in certain care settings. The measure now heads to the Senate, where it has been referred to the Health Care Committee for consideration. House Bill 4142 requires certain organizations and residential facilities that are designated as additional caregivers for medical marijuana patients to allow qualified patients to use medical marijuana on-site. The proposal applies to facilities that take on caregiving responsibilities under Oregon’s medical marijuana program, though hospitals and hospital-affiliated clinics are exempt from some of the new requirements.

Under the bill, covered facilities must create and maintain a written policy addressing the procurement, storage, administration and disposal of marijuana and medical cannabinoid products. Direct care staff would also be required to complete educational training on cannabis pharmacology, dosing methods, potential contraindications and drug interactions before providing care to a patient who uses medical marijuana.

In addition to the policy and training requirements, the measure expands the definition of “debilitating medical condition” to include the need for hospice, palliative or comfort care, including comprehensive pain management. The bill also protects nurses from disciplinary action by the Oregon State Board of Nursing for discussing the medical use of marijuana with patients.

If approved by the Senate and signed into law, key provisions of the measure would become operative on January 1, 2027.