Oregon Expands Medical Marijuana Access to Hospices in Landmark Healthcare Reform

10 April 2026

Oregon has taken a significant step in healthcare policy after Governor Tina Kotek signed a bill allowing the use of medical marijuana in hospices and certain residential health facilities, expanding access for patients with serious medical conditions. The legislation, known as HB 4142, was approved by lawmakers with strong support in both chambers before reaching the governor’s desk, reflecting growing acceptance of cannabis as part of medical care.

The new law focuses on patients receiving end of life and palliative care, aiming to improve comfort and quality of life during critical stages of illness. Supporters of the bill argued that medical marijuana can serve as an alternative or complement to traditional treatments such as opioids, which are often associated with heavy sedation and reduced awareness.

Under the legislation, qualifying facilities including hospices, palliative care providers, and residential care centers will be required to establish policies that allow registered medical marijuana patients to use cannabis on site. These organizations must also develop guidelines and train staff to ensure safe and appropriate administration of cannabis as part of patient care.

The law also includes protections for healthcare workers, preventing the Oregon State Board of Nursing from disciplining nurses who discuss medical marijuana as a treatment option with patients. This provision is intended to encourage open communication between patients and medical professionals without fear of professional consequences.

While the measure expands access in many care settings, it does not apply to hospitals or hospital affiliated clinics, making it more limited in scope compared to similar laws in other states. Even so, advocates believe it represents meaningful progress in addressing the needs of patients who previously faced barriers to accessing cannabis in controlled care environments.

The legislation also provides legal protections for participating facilities, exempting them from certain criminal penalties related to the possession and administration of medical marijuana. This ensures that organizations can comply with the law without facing legal risks, helping to create a more supportive framework for implementation.

Supporters have emphasized the emotional and human impact of the change, noting that patients in hospice care often prioritize clarity and connection with loved ones during their final days. By offering an alternative to heavily sedating medications, the law aims to give patients more control over how they experience end of life care.

The measure is set to take effect on January 1, 2027, giving healthcare providers time to develop policies and prepare for its implementation. As Oregon moves forward with the reform, the law is expected to influence broader conversations about medical cannabis and its role in compassionate care across the United States.