“It is inconceivable to me that, in a state where medical cannabis was legalized more than 25 years ago, those in deepest suffering receiving treatment in our state’s healthcare facilities cannot access this proven, effective and prescribed treatment,” Senator Ben Hueso (D), sponsor of the bill, said in a press release.
“Instead, terminally-ill patients in California healthcare facilities are given heavy opiates that rob them of their precious last moments with family and friends,” he said. “This is a simple, yet critical, move that will provide relief, compassion and dignity to terminally-ill Californians.”
Restrictions do apply: for example, patients receiving emergency medical care would not be covered, and smoking and vaping also would be prohibited. In addition, hospitals would not be required to provide or dispense cannabis.
