Another State Joins Wave Of Bringing Medical Cannabis Into End-Of-Life Care Amid National Longevity Care Shift

By Jelena Martinovic, Featured Writer

Delaware lawmakers have joined a growing wave of their fellow legislators nationwide who seek to integrate medical cannabis into end-of-life care.

The State House members unanimously approved Senate Bill 226 last week, sending it to Gov. Matt Meyer. The measure, modeled on California’s “Ryan’s Law,” was previously advanced through the State Senate in March.

Under the policy change, healthcare facilities are required to allow qualified patients to continue using medical cannabis during inpatient treatment inside healthcare facilities like hospitals or hospices.

However, the legislation enables facilities to restrict or suspend use if doctors believe it could negatively affect treatment or is medically inappropriate.

Moreover, in the event of federal agencies taking action or issuing rules against cannabis use in facilities, providers can ban it to stay compliant.

Lawmakers in several states made headlines recently for joining a broader shift in longevity care. The focus is shifting from simply extending life to improving the quality of life in patients with chronic pain, anxiety, sleep disorders, and neurodegenerative conditions.

Oregon Governor Tina Kotek signed HB 4142 into law earlier this month. The measure, which will take effect on Jan. 1, 2027, is centered on how well patients with debilitating medical conditions live at the end of their lives. It addresses barriers patients are facing when using medical cannabis, in need of medical cannabis for symptom management, such as chronic pain, nausea, or anxiety.

Lawmakers in Colorado and Virginia have followed suit, advancing similar measures. Colorado’s SB 26-007 was signed by Gov. Jared Polis recently, while in Virginia, the bill is still advancing through the legislature.

The longevity and palliative care segment is a large and growing healthcare market, having in mind that U.S. hospice services are valued at roughly $29 billion, while an aging population is expected to exceed 80 million people aged 65+ by 2040.