The bill enacted as R.S. 40:1046.5 allows terminally ill patients to use medical marijuana in healthcare facilities under specific conditions. It defines "healthcare facility" and "medical marijuana," and outlines the responsibilities of both the patient and the facility. Key provisions include prohibiting smoking or vaping of medical marijuana, requiring documentation of the patient's recommendation for use, and mandating that the patient or their primary caregiver is responsible for the acquisition and administration of the marijuana. Additionally, healthcare facilities must develop guidelines for the use of medical marijuana and ensure it is securely stored.

The bill also clarifies that healthcare facilities are not required to provide recommendations for medical marijuana or include it in discharge plans. Compliance with the new provisions is not a condition for licensing healthcare facilities, and facilities may suspend compliance if federal agencies take enforcement actions against them regarding medical marijuana. Importantly, the bill prohibits facilities from denying a terminally ill patient's access to medical marijuana solely based on its classification as a Schedule I drug under federal law.