Bill Allows Medical Cannabis Use in Mississippi Hospitals

Mississippi House Approves ‘Ryan’s Law’ to Allow Medical Marijuana Use for Terminally Ill Patients in Hospitals, Nursing Facilities and Hospice Centers

The Mississippi House of Representatives has approved legislation that would allow terminally ill patients to access medical marijuana in hospitals, nursing facilities and hospice centers across the state.

Legislation Passes Overwhelmingly After Advancing Through House Committee Review

Roughly a week after clearing the House Public Health and Human Services Committee, the full chamber passed the measure—sponsored by Rep. Kevin Felsher (R)—in a decisive 117–1 vote on Wednesday, signaling broad bipartisan support for expanded end-of-life care options.

‘Ryan’s Law’ Honors Young Patient and Aims to Prioritize Compassionate Care

The proposal, known as “Ryan’s Law,” is named in memory of a young medical cannabis patient who passed away. His father has since become an advocate for allowing cannabis use in healthcare settings. The bill is designed to “support the ability of terminally ill qualifying patients to safely use medical cannabis within specified health care facilities.”

Speaking on the House floor ahead of the vote, Felsher emphasized the humanitarian focus of the legislation, stating that end-of-life decisions should be guided by compassion and medical judgment rather than bureaucratic barriers.

Facilities Would Be Required to Permit Non-Combustible Medical Cannabis Use

Under the bill, hospitals, skilled nursing facilities and hospice centers would be required to allow terminally ill patients to use medical cannabis—provided it is in non-smokable, non-vape forms. The measure establishes clear guardrails for how cannabis may be possessed and used within medical environments.

Federal Enforcement Carve Out Included to Protect Healthcare Institutions

The legislation contains a provision allowing facilities to suspend compliance if a federal agency—such as the U.S. Department of Justice or the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services—takes enforcement action or issues guidance prohibiting the policy. This safeguard is intended to protect institutions operating under federal funding or oversight.

Patients and Caregivers Responsible for Handling and Storage

According to the bill summary, patients or their designated caregivers would be responsible for acquiring, administering and removing medical cannabis products. All products must be stored securely in locked containers within the patient’s room or another designated space.

Healthcare professionals and facility staff would be prohibited from handling or administering cannabis. Upon discharge, any remaining medical marijuana must be removed by the patient or caregiver.

Advocates Push for Nationwide Adoption of Hospital Access Policies

Patient advocates say laws like Ryan’s Law are critical to ensuring individuals with terminal illnesses can legally access cannabis for comfort and symptom management. Similar policies have already been enacted in states such as California and Minnesota.

Additional Cannabis and Psychedelic Policy Measures Advance in Mississippi

In related action, the Mississippi House also approved separate legislation from Rep. Lee Yancey (R) that would remove THC limits on non-combustible cannabis products and extend medical marijuana patient registration validity two years for residents and 90 days for non-residents.

Lawmakers in the state have also recently backed research legislation aimed at securing federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for ibogaine as a potential psychedelic treatment option.

State Continues to Expand Medical Cannabis Framework Amid Broader Reform Efforts

Together, the measures reflect Mississippi’s ongoing efforts to refine and expand its medical cannabis program, balancing patient access with regulatory and institutional considerations particularly for those facing end-of-life care.