Oregon Legislature passes Ryan’s Law — now it’s time for Gov. Kotek to sign it

Oregon lawmakers have passed HB 4142, Ryan’s Law, an important measure that ensures patients receiving hospice, palliative, and other supportive care can legally use medical cannabis where they receive treatment. The bill is now on Gov. Tina Kotek’s desk.

Under current law, patients may legally use medical cannabis, but many healthcare facilities prohibit it on their premises. This creates a painful barrier for seriously ill patients who rely on medical cannabis for symptom relief but cannot leave their care facilities.

HB 4142 addresses this gap. The bill requires certain hospice, residential, and palliative care providers to allow medical cannabis use by qualified patients and to establish policies and staff training to support safe administration. 

The bill also adds a new qualifying condition for medical cannabis — the need for hospice, palliative care, comfort care or other symptom management. It also allows health and residential facilities to be designated as caregivers.

Medical cannabis can help manage severe pain, nausea, muscle spasms, and other symptoms associated with serious illnesses. No patient should be forced to choose between receiving professional care and accessing a treatment recommended by their healthcare provider.

Ryan’s Law would bring Oregon in line with a growing number of states that recognize the importance of ensuring patients have access to their legally authorized medicine, even in care facilities.

If you live in Oregon, please take a moment to contact Gov. Kotek and ask her to sign HB 4142 into law.