In 2018, Coast Guard veteran Ryan Bartell, suffering from terminal pancreatic cancer, was heavily sedated with opioids and unable to communicate with his family. After transferring to a facility that permitted medical cannabis, he was able to stop opioid use, remain comfortable, and spend meaningful time with his loved ones in his final days. 
 

The needs of terminally ill patients were a key consideration when Pennsylvania enacted the Medical Marijuana Act. The law includes provisions allowing patients in care facilities to access medical marijuana by designating a caregiver to administer and even permits facility staff to serve in that role. 
 

While some facilities in Pennsylvania have chosen to permit the use of medical marijuana, adoption remains inconsistent across the state. As a result, many terminally ill patients continue to face barriers to accessing medical cannabis during inpatient or end-of-life care. 
 

To address this issue, I will be introducing legislation requiring facilities to allow terminally ill patients to use medical marijuana in non-smokable, non-vapable forms. This measure will ensure patients have access to effective symptom relief while maintaining safety and compliance within care settings. 

Please consider joining me by cosponsoring this important piece of legislation.