Louisiana SB 270 (2026) introduced to require healthcare facilities to allow terminally ill patients access to medical marijuana notwithstanding Schedule I status (proposed R.S. 40:1046.5)

Louisiana Senate Bill 270 (2026 Regular Session) proposes to enact R.S. 40:1046.5 to require healthcare facilities to permit terminally ill patients to use recommended medical marijuana, subject to facility controls (e.g., restrictions on smoking/vaping, documentation/storage and written guidelines). The proposal explicitly addresses marijuana’s Schedule I status under the Louisiana Uniform Controlled Dangerous Substances Law by directing facilities to follow medication-handling requirements applicable to Schedule II–IV drugs, and it includes an off-ramp allowing suspension of compliance if federal enforcement/agency action would prohibit compliance. Compliance teams in healthcare facilities should monitor this bill because it would create new operational obligations (policies, staff procedures, storage/handling and documentation) for medical marijuana administration/possession in facilities if enacted.