The proposed bill, titled the "Compassionate Access to Medical Cannabis Act," aims to establish guidelines for the use of medicinal cannabis by terminally ill patients within healthcare facilities, as outlined in a new chapter of Title 21 of the General Laws concerning food and drugs. The act requires healthcare facilities to permit the use of medicinal cannabis by terminally ill patients, subject to specific conditions, including:

1. Prohibiting smoking or vaping as methods of using medicinal cannabis.
2. Documenting the use of medicinal cannabis in the patient's medical records.
3. Requiring patients to provide a valid identification card and a copy of their medical marijuana card or written documentation from a physician recommending the use of medicinal cannabis.
4. Implementing reasonable restrictions on 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.
5. Developing and disseminating written guidelines for the use of medicinal cannabis within the healthcare facility.

The act specifies that these provisions do not apply to patients receiving emergency services and care. It also clarifies that healthcare facilities must comply with drug and medication requirements applicable to Schedule II, III, and IV drugs, despite the classification of medicinal cannabis as a Schedule I drug.

Additionally, the act states that healthcare facilities are not required to provide recommendations for medicinal cannabis use or to include it in a patient's discharge plan. Compliance with the act is not a condition for obtaining, retaining, or renewing a healthcare facility's license, and it does not alter existing laws regarding the cultivation, possession, distribution, or use of cannabis.

Furthermore, the act allows healthcare facilities to suspend compliance with its provisions if a federal regulatory agency, such as the Department of Justice or the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, takes actions that affect the legality of medical cannabis use. The act emphasizes that facilities cannot prohibit patient use of medicinal cannabis solely based on its Schedule I classification under federal law.

The act will take effect upon passage.