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 include prohibiting smoking or vaping as methods to use medicinal cannabis, documenting its use in patient medical records, and requiring patients to provide valid identification and a copy of their medical marijuana card or written documentation from a physician recommending its use. Additionally, facilities must reasonably restrict how patients store and use medicinal cannabis, including requiring it to be stored in a locked container, to ensure the safety of other patients, guests, and employees.

The act clarifies that compliance with its provisions is not a condition for obtaining, retaining, or renewing a license as a healthcare facility. It also states that healthcare facilities may suspend compliance with the new regulations if a federal regulatory agency, such as the U.S. Department of Justice or the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, takes enforcement actions or issues prohibitions regarding the use of medical marijuana. Furthermore, the act does not require healthcare facilities to provide recommendations for medicinal cannabis or include it in a patient's discharge plan, and it does not modify existing laws related to the cultivation, possession, distribution, or use of cannabis. The act is set to take effect upon passage.