Virginia House Approves Medical Cannabis Access Bill for Terminally Ill Patients With 97 to 1 Vote

OG article by Anthony Martinelli

February 25, 2026

The Virginia House of Delegates passed Senate Bill 332 with a 97-1 vote after unanimous Senate approval. Sponsored by Senator Barbara Favola (D), the bill ensures terminally ill patients with valid medical cannabis certifications can use cannabis oil in hospitals, nursing homes, hospice, and assisted living facilities. It protects healthcare staff from prosecution when storing, dispensing, or administering the oil to authorized patients. The measure requires the Virginia Department of Health to form a work group—with hospital, provider, and hospice representatives—to develop safe-use guidelines, review federal guidance, and assess impacts from potential marijuana rescheduling. The group must submit a report by November 1, 2026. The bill does not expand overall access but removes barriers for existing certified patients in care settings. Pending Senate concurrence on House changes, it heads to Governor Glenn Youngkin. This strengthens Virginia's medical cannabis framework by prioritizing safe, legal access for terminally ill individuals and clarifying protections for medical providers.