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HB 5242

AN ACT REQUIRING CERTAIN HEALTH CARE FACILITIES TO ALLOW TERMINALLY ILL QUALIFYING PATIENTS TO USE CANNABIS.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Saud Anwar and 5 co-sponsors

Connecticut bill requiring hospitals and care facilities to permit terminally ill patients with state medical cannabis authorization to use cannabis products on-site.

PUBLIC HEARING 0223
#healthcarefacilities #marijuana #patients
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Bill Summary · HB 5242

Legislative bill overview

HB 5242 would require Connecticut health care facilities to permit terminally ill patients who qualify under the state's medical cannabis program to use cannabis products within those facilities. The bill addresses the current conflict between federal cannabis prohibition and state medical cannabis laws by carving out protections for end-of-life patients in institutional settings.

Why is this important

Terminally ill patients currently face barriers to accessing medical cannabis in hospitals, hospices, and nursing homes despite legal authorization under Connecticut law, creating a gap between patient rights and practical access. This bill would ensure dying patients can use a treatment they may find beneficial for pain, nausea, and anxiety management during their final days without fear of facility punishment or discharge.

Potential points of contention

  • Federal legal exposure: Health care facilities may resist the requirement due to ongoing federal Schedule I status of cannabis, despite state protection—facilities could still face DEA scrutiny or Medicare/Medicaid compliance questions
  • Implementation challenges: Unclear provisions regarding administration methods, storage, security protocols, and whether facilities must provide cannabis or only allow patient-supplied products
  • Liability and insurance concerns: Facilities worry about liability coverage gaps, workplace safety policies, and whether federal healthcare regulations adequately protect them from penalties

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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