On September 28, 2021, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed SB 311, “Ryan’s Law”, to allow
terminally ill patients who have been authorized to use cannabis under California’s
Compassionate Use Act to use their own medical cannabis in a health care facility.
While there are three FDA approved medications that contain synthetic delta-9-
tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), all other cannabis products remain in the Schedule I category
under the DEA’s Controlled Substance Act and are therefore considered federally illegal.
For this reason, health care facilities until now have not allowed cannabis to be used as a
treatment for patients. With the passing of Ryan’s Law, these facilities are now compelled
to allow authorized terminally ill patients use of their own medical cannabis. Due to conflicts
in federal and state cannabis laws, health care facilities must address several factors
regarding the complications of federal funding and oversight by federal agencies.
Pharmacists historically have not been educated on cannabis pharmacology and may not
be prepared to assess the use of cannabis, side effects, and potential drug interactions in
this population. Pharmacists will learn the implications of Ryan’s Law, what the requirements are for health care facilities and how to practically implement policies that will comply with state laws
while minimizing federal risk. In addition, this program will inform pharmacists about the
most important aspects of cannabis use as it pertains to this bill.