OLYMPIA — In the final chapter of life, comfort should never be denied by bureaucracy.
The Washington State Legislature passed House Bill 2152, known as Ryan’s Law, ensuring that terminally ill patients in hospitals, nursing homes, and hospice facilities can access medically authorized cannabis as part of their end-of-life care. The bill, sponsored by Rep. Shelley Kloba (D–Kenmore), received strong bipartisan support and now heads to the Governor’s desk to be signed into law.
“When someone is facing the end of their life, our responsibility is simple: reduce suffering and honor their dignity,” said Kloba. “No one should be forced to endure unnecessary pain or anxiety because of outdated policies that ignore what patients and families know works for them.”
Washington voters approved medical cannabis in 1998, yet many terminally ill patients have been forced to choose between receiving symptom relief and remaining in a health care facility. Ryan’s Law closes that gap by allowing qualifying patients with a terminal condition to use medically authorized cannabis while receiving inpatient care, under clear and carefully defined guidelines established by each facility.
“For many patients, medical cannabis helps manage pain, nausea, anxiety, and fear, sometimes when nothing else works,” Kloba said. “They deserve access to that relief without having to leave their hospital bed or disrupt their care.”
The legislation is named in honor of Ryan, whose experience in Washington during the final weeks of his life inspired similar laws across the country. After being denied access to medical cannabis in one hospital, Ryan transferred to another facility where he was able to manage his symptoms and spend meaningful time with loved ones. States that have implemented Ryan’s Law have done so safely, without reported incidents and with positive outcomes for patients and families.
“This is about humanity,” Kloba added. “At the end of life, people deserve comfort, autonomy, and peace. Ryan’s Law brings us one step closer to a more humane health care system for everyone in Washington.”
Once signed by the Governor, Ryan’s Law will take effect later this year.