SENATE ENACTS BILL TO ENSURE NURSING HOME PATIENTS HAVE ACCESS TO MEDICAL MARIJUANA

Measure permits the use of non-smoked forms of medical marijuana for authorized patients in hospice and nursing homes   

AUGUSTA – The Senate unanimously enacted a bill sponsored by Democratic Senator Colleen Lachowicz of Waterville to allow authorized patients in hospice and nursing homes to use non-smoked forms of medical marijuana.

“No one should be denied access to treatment when they are most in need,” said Senator Lachowicz, a social worker. “There are currently cancer patients and others who need to go into a nursing facility, but are avoiding it due to fear that they’ll lose access to the medicine that helps them most. This bill will allow them to make the best decision for themselves and their families without having to give up their medicine.”

In December 2012, the Department of Health and Human Services implemented major rule changes to Maine’s Medical Marijuana Program (MMMP). These regulations discourage facilities from allowing medical marijuana for patients in need, due to administrative costs to maintain a special set of records and meet extra staffing requirements.

Senator Lachowicz’s bill removes unnecessary restrictions preventing hospice and nursing facilities from allowing the use of medical marijuana.

The bill, LD 1779, “An Act Relating to Nursing Facility and Inpatient Hospice Patients and Medical Marijuana Use,” will now be sent to Governor LePage for his signature.

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