Virginia Bill Could Allow Terminally Ill Patients to Use Medical Marijuana in Hospitals
- Isabella Romo
- 1 day ago
- 4 min read
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Virginia lawmakers are considering a new bill that could significantly improve the comfort and care of patients facing serious illnesses. The proposed legislation would allow terminally ill patients to use medical marijuana while staying in Virginia hospitals and certain health care facilities, something that is currently restricted in many settings.
This bill focuses on patient dignity, pain relief, and continuity of care during end-of-life treatment for patients who use marijuana legally as part of the state’s medical program.
What the New Virginia Bill Proposes
The bill, House Bill 75, would allow terminally ill patients to use medical marijuana inside hospitals and medical facilities under specific conditions.
A patient would qualify if:
A doctor determines the patient is terminally ill, meaning they are expected to live one year or less without life-sustaining treatment.
The patient has a written recommendation from a licensed marijuana doctor for medical marijuana.
If those requirements are met, the hospital or health care facility would be required to permit the patient’s use of medical marijuana during their stay, but only if the patient has a valid Virginia medical marijuana recommendation.
Patients who do not yet have a card can get evaluated through Virginia Marijuana Card. We make the process easy and convenient with telemedicine appointments, where a licensed doctor evaluates your medical needs and, if eligible, provides a recommendation. Once approved, you receive your official Virginia medical marijuana card, which allows you to legally access medical marijuana and, under this bill, use it in hospitals if you are terminally ill.
How Medical Marijuana Could Be Used in Hospitals
The bill clearly outlines how marijuana may and may not be used in a medical setting to protect patient safety and staff comfort.
Under the proposal:
The patient’s active medical marijuana card would be documented in their medical records to ensure transparency and proper oversight.
Important Limitations in the Bill
The legislation also sets clear boundaries so hospitals understand exactly when and how the rule applies:
The bill does not apply during emergency medical treatment.
Hospitals are not required to provide marijuana, prescribe it, or help patients obtain it. It is meant to support existing medical marijuana patients.
A hospital cannot deny use solely because marijuana is illegal at the federal level.
If a federal agency directly threatens a facility over marijuana use, the hospital may pause compliance until the issue is resolved.
Allowing registered patients to use medical marijuana will not put a hospital’s license at risk.
These provisions are designed to protect both patients and medical facilities.
Why This Bill Is Important for Patients
Many terminally ill patients already rely on medical marijuana to help manage:
Nausea and vomiting
Loss of appetite
Sleep issues
When these patients are admitted to hospitals, they are often forced to stop using marijuana, even if it has been a part of their treatment plan at home. This bill would allow patients to continue their doctor-recommended marijuana use without interruption, helping improve comfort and quality of life during an extremely difficult time.
What Happens Next
House Bill 75 has been formally introduced, but is not law yet. It must still move through legislative committees, receive approval from both chambers of the Virginia General Assembly, and be signed by the governor.
If passed, this law would represent a meaningful step forward for medical marijuana access in Virginia, especially for patients receiving end-of-life care.
Virginia Medical Marijuana Cards Still Matter
If this bill becomes law, patients would still need a valid Virginia medical marijuana recommendation from a licensed doctor to qualify for hospital use. Medical marijuana would remain regulated, physician-recommended, and patient-specific.
At Virginia Marijuana Card, we not only stay up to date on changes like this through our blogs and newsletter, but we also evaluate patients and provide medical marijuana recommendations, helping patients and families understand their options and rights under Virginia law.
Get Your Medical Marijuana Card Today
Lucky for you, medical marijuana is already available in Virginia! You can get your medical marijuana card and access dispensaries today!
Recreational marijuana is legal in Virginia, but it does not mean much since there are no recreational dispensaries to purchase products from.
If you don’t already have your card, no worries. We can help! If you think you could benefit from medical marijuana, there is a good chance you would qualify for your medical card in the State of Virginia. There’s no list of qualifying conditions, so anyone with a medical condition could get a medical marijuana card! With telemedicine, it is now easier than ever to get your medical card from the comfort of your own home!
Schedule an evaluation online today, and we’ll make an appointment for you with one of our knowledgeable, compassionate doctors.
Doctors Who Care.
Relief You Can Trust.
At Virginia Marijuana Card, we’re here to make the process easy and stress-free. Our team is dedicated to helping you unlock the full benefits of Virginia’s medical marijuana program while improving your overall quality of life.
Don’t wait to start feeling better. Call us at (888) 633-5808 or schedule your evaluation today
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