Delaware Ryan’s Law Allows Medical Cannabis in Hospitals for Terminally Ill Patients

Governor Signs Ryan's Law After Full Support From State Lawmakers

Delaware Governor Matt Meyer has signed Senate Bill 226, known as Ryan's Law, into law. The new law gives some terminally ill patients a path to use medical cannabis in licensed health care sites. SB 226 passed the Delaware Senate in March.

The bill passed without a “no” vote in both the Delaware Senate and House of Representatives. Senator Marie Pinkney sponsored the bill, which Meyer signed on May 21, 2026.

Ryan's Law will take effect one year after its signing - on May 21, 2027. That gives Delaware hospitals time to write rules and train staff.

What Ryan's Law Allows for Delaware Medical Cannabis Patients

Under SB 226, terminally ill patients may use medical marijuana while receiving care in licensed health care sites.

The patient must already be part of Delaware's medical cannabis registry to use cannabis under the law.

Patients or their named caregivers must get and give the medical cannabis products themselves.

Hospital staff will not be required to supply medical cannabis or give it to patients.

Medical cannabis products must stay in a locked box while inside the health care site.

The law also bans smoking and vaping. Patients will need to use other forms allowed under Delaware law.

Rules for Delaware Hospitals and Health Care Sites

Hospitals must check a patient's Delaware medical marijuana registry ID card before cannabis use is allowed.

They must also record the patient's medical cannabis use in the medical file.

Health care sites must write and share clear rules for medical marijuana use on their grounds.

The law defines a covered health care site as a licensed general hospital under Delaware law.

It also gives some legal cover to people who act in good faith under the law.

That protection does not apply in cases of gross neglect, reckless acts, or willful wrongdoing.

When Hospitals May Limit Medical Cannabis Use

Ryan's Law gives hospitals room to block medical cannabis use in some cases.

A hospital may say no if cannabis could affect treatment or appears medically unsafe for that patient.

Hospitals may also pause approval if federal agencies take action against cannabis use in health care sites.

That could include action or guidance from the U.S. Department of Justice.

It could also include guidance from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

The law does not apply to patients treated in emergency departments.

What Ryan's Law May Mean for Terminally Ill Patients

For terminally ill patients, Ryan's Law may reduce gaps in medical cannabis access during hospital stays.

Supporters say steady access can matter for patients managing severe symptoms near the end of life.

The law still leaves hospitals with broad control when medical concerns arise.

That approach appears to balance patient access with the role of doctors and care teams.

Patients who are not registered would still need to qualify through Delaware's medical cannabis program first.

As the law moves toward use, hospitals, patients, caregivers, and cannabis providers will watch how it works.