The proposed bill introduces the "Compassionate Access to Medical Cannabis Act" as a new chapter in Title 21 of the General Laws, aimed at supporting the ability of terminally ill patients to safely use medicinal cannabis within specified healthcare facilities. The bill outlines the responsibilities of healthcare facilities, which must permit the use of medicinal cannabis while implementing certain restrictions, including prohibiting smoking or vaping, including the use of medicinal cannabis in the patient's medical records, and requiring patients to provide valid identification and documentation from a physician recommending the use of medicinal cannabis. Additionally, facilities must reasonably restrict how patients store and use medicinal cannabis to ensure the safety of other patients, guests, and employees, including the requirement that cannabis be stored in a locked container.

The legislation clarifies that compliance with its provisions is not a condition for obtaining, retaining, or renewing a license as a healthcare facility. It also allows healthcare facilities to suspend compliance with these provisions if a federal regulatory agency, such as the United States Department of Justice or the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, takes specified enforcement actions against them related to state-regulated medical marijuana programs. The act is designed to take effect immediately upon passage.