The proposed bill, titled the "Compassionate Access to Medical Cannabis Act," aims to establish a new chapter in Title 21 of the General Laws concerning food and drugs. This act supports the ability of terminally ill patients to safely use medicinal cannabis within specified healthcare facilities. It outlines specific requirements for healthcare facilities, including:

1. Prohibiting smoking or vaping as methods to use medicinal cannabis.
2. Including the use of medicinal cannabis within the patient's medical records.
3. Requiring patients to provide a copy of their valid identification card and a copy of their medical marijuana card or written documentation from a physician recommending cannabis use.
4. Implementing reasonable restrictions on how patients store and use medicinal cannabis, including the requirement for it to be stored in a locked container to ensure the safety of other patients, guests, and employees.
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 states that healthcare facilities permitting patient use of medicinal cannabis 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.

Furthermore, the act clarifies that it does not require healthcare facilities to provide recommendations for medicinal cannabis or 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. Additionally, healthcare facilities may suspend compliance with the act if a federal regulatory agency, such as the United States Department of Justice or the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, takes actions that conflict with state regulations regarding medical cannabis.

The act includes a severability clause, ensuring that if any part of the chapter is deemed invalid by a court, the remainder will still be effective. The act is set to take effect upon passage.