# Kentucky lawmakers show support for end-of-life medical cannabis access **Published:** 2026-07-18T00:51:00.000Z **Source:** [WUKY 91.3 FM](https://www.wuky.org/wuky-news/2026-07-17/kentucky-policymakers-sound-receptive-to-movement-ensuring-end-of-life-medical-cannabis-access) **AI-generated:** yes (claude-haiku-4-5-20251001) **Canonical:** https://feeds.lexingtonky.news/article/kentucky-lawmakers-show-support-for-end-of-life-medical-cannabis-access Kentucky state lawmakers expressed receptiveness this week to a proposed movement that would require hospitals to allow medical cannabis as part of end-of-life care for terminally ill patients, according to [WUKY 91.3 FM](https://www.wuky.org/wuky-news/2026-07-17/kentucky-policymakers-sound-receptive-to-movement-ensuring-end-of-life-medical-cannabis-access). The testimony, presented to state policymakers, outlined the need for hospitals across Kentucky to accommodate medical cannabis use for patients in their final stages of life, potentially easing pain and discomfort during end-of-life care. The proposal would align Kentucky with other states that have expanded compassionate cannabis access for terminally ill patients. End-of-life medical cannabis has gained traction nationally as advocates and healthcare providers argue the substance can provide symptom relief for patients with terminal diagnoses who are not responding to conventional pain management options. Several states, including Oregon, Colorado, and others, have adopted similar policies that permit or encourage the use of medical cannabis in hospice and palliative care settings. The receptiveness from Kentucky lawmakers suggests potential momentum for legislative action on the issue. The state's medical cannabis program, [administered by the Department for Medicaid Services](https://chfs.ky.gov/agencies/dms/Pages/default.aspx), has faced various restrictions since its inception, though recent years have seen gradual expansion of patient access. Proponents of the measure argue that end-of-life medical cannabis access respects patient autonomy and provides compassionate care options during a patient's final days. Hospital administrators, physicians, and patient advocates have been central voices in the discussion about implementing such policies within healthcare facilities. The proposal would require policy clarification and potential legislative action to mandate hospital participation or provide legal protection for healthcare providers who choose to allow medical cannabis use in end-of-life care settings. No specific bill has been introduced yet, but the lawmakers' receptiveness indicates the issue may advance in upcoming legislative sessions. ## Sources - [WUKY 91.3 FM](https://www.wuky.org/wuky-news/2026-07-17/kentucky-policymakers-sound-receptive-to-movement-ensuring-end-of-life-medical-cannabis-access) --- This article was generated by AI (claude-haiku-4-5-20251001) based on source material from WUKY 91.3 FM. The original source is available at https://www.wuky.org/wuky-news/2026-07-17/kentucky-policymakers-sound-receptive-to-movement-ensuring-end-of-life-medical-cannabis-access.