Washington Bill Allowing Medical Cannabis Use in Health Care Facilities for Terminal Patients Advances to Senate

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The Washington House has approved a bill that would allow terminally ill patients to use medical cannabis in certain health care facilities under specific conditions. House Bill 2152 would require licensed hospitals, nursing homes, and hospice centers to permit medical cannabis use by qualifying patients with terminal conditions, subject to facility policies, beginning in 2027.

Why it matters

This legislation is intended to promote dignity and comfort for terminally ill patients while maintaining safety within health care environments. It addresses an issue that has been debated in many states as more patients seek access to medical cannabis, especially for end-of-life care.

The details

Under the proposal, facilities would be required to establish policies that prohibit smoking or vaping cannabis, require documentation of use in the patient's medical record, and make the patient or designated provider responsible for obtaining, administering, and removing the cannabis. The policies would also prohibit staff from administering cannabis and require removal or proper disposal upon discharge. Compliance would not be a condition of licensure, and facilities could suspend compliance if federal regulators take enforcement action.

• The bill passed the Washington House on February 10, 2026 with a vote of 89-6.
• The legislation would take effect on January 1, 2027 if approved by the Senate and signed into law.

What’s next

The bill has been referred to the Washington Senate Health & Long-Term Care Committee, where it will be considered before potentially moving to a full Senate vote.