The proposed bill aims to establish the "Compassionate Access to Medical Cannabis Act" in West Virginia, which would allow terminally ill patients to use medicinal cannabis in designated health care facilities. The bill outlines specific definitions, including what constitutes a "health care facility," "medicinal cannabis," and "terminally ill." It mandates that health care facilities permit the use of medicinal cannabis while implementing safety measures, such as prohibiting smoking or vaping, documenting usage in medical records, and requiring secure storage of cannabis products. Additionally, the bill specifies that these regulations do not apply to patients receiving emergency services.

Furthermore, the bill addresses enforcement and limitations regarding the use of medicinal cannabis in health care settings. It clarifies that health care facilities are not obligated to recommend medicinal cannabis or include it in discharge plans. The bill also allows facilities to suspend compliance with the act if federal agencies take actions that conflict with state regulations on medical marijuana. Importantly, it ensures that facilities cannot prohibit patient use of medicinal cannabis solely based on its classification as a Schedule I drug under federal law.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 16A-17-1, 16A-17-2, 16A-17-3, 16A-17-4, 16A-17-5