SB 311, “Ryan’s Law,” would require that hospitals and certain types of healthcare facilities in the State of California allow a terminally-ill patient to use medical cannabis for treatment and/or pain relief.

Due to the federal Drug-Free Workplace Act, which requires any institution receiving federal funds or grants to prohibit the use or distribution of “controlled substances” in the workplace, California patients are currently unable to continue taking medical cannabis as part of their treatment plan while in the hospital – even if they possess a valid physicians’ recommendation.

Ryan’s Law seeks to close that gap by allowing those who most need compassion at the end of life to have access to medical cannabis in an in-patient setting, with certain restrictions. Ryan’s Law also provides a safe harbor clause allowing healthcare facilities to suspend the program if there is federal intervention.