Bipartisan Washington Bill Would Allow Terminal Patients to Use Medical Marijuana in Hospitals and Hospice Settings

OG article by Anthony Martinelli

December 17, 2025

A bipartisan bill, House Bill 2152, prefiled for Washington’s 2026 legislative session, would mandate licensed hospitals, nursing homes, and hospice centers to permit qualifying terminally ill patients to use medical marijuana while receiving care, effective January 1, 2027. Sponsored by Representatives Shelley Kloba (D) and Skyler Rude (R), the proposal aims to enhance comfort and dignity for end-of-life patients while ensuring safety and order in medical facilities. Key provisions require facilities to develop policies allowing medical marijuana use, but prohibit smoking or vaping, even if preferred by patients. Use must be documented in medical records, with patients providing valid authorization. Patients or designated providers, not facility staff, are responsible for acquiring, administering, and removing marijuana. Health care workers, including physicians and nurses, are barred from administering marijuana or permitting sharing among patients or visitors. Remaining products must be removed upon discharge or disposed of as medical waste if removal is impossible. The bill exempts emergency departments and emergency care patients. Non-compliance would not result in loss of licensure, and temporary suspension is allowed if federal enforcement occurs. If enacted, the legislation would significantly expand access to medical marijuana in Washington health care settings for terminal patients. This move reflects growing recognition of cannabis's palliative benefits, addressing long-standing barriers in institutional settings. Supporters highlight improved quality of life for those in hospice, while critics may raise concerns over facility liability and federal conflicts. The bill builds on Washington's progressive medical marijuana framework, potentially setting a precedent for other states. Overall, it prioritizes patient autonomy in end-of-life care without compromising operational standards.