Appalachian Regional Healthcare (ARH) is committed to providing safe, high-quality, and compassionate care to all patients while maintaining full compliance with federal, state, and regulatory requirements. As the legal landscape around medical cannabis evolves, we have established a policy to address its use within our facilities in a manner that aligns with these commitments.

While state law permits the use of medical cannabis for registered patients with a qualifying condition, our health system maintains a policy that prohibits possession or use of cannabis in any form, including medical cannabis. This policy includes all ARH premises, including all facilities and clinics, with limited exceptions, to ensure compliance with federal law and to uphold patient safety standards.

Per this policy, medical cannabis is generally prohibited in any ARH facility and on ARH property, except in specific inpatient cases. With permission, patients who hold valid state registry identification cards may use medical cannabis under controlled circumstances with the assistance of their registered caregiver.

Smoking or vaping cannabis is strictly prohibited, and exceptions do not apply to psychiatric patients or psychiatric units where medical cannabis use is not permitted under any circumstances.

Our staff, including ARH physicians and employees, are not authorized to certify, prescribe, store, or administer medical cannabis. This policy aligns with federal legal restrictions and our commitment to maintaining a controlled healthcare environment for all patients who entrust us with their care.

The medical cannabis policy at ARH is designed to balance state laws permitting its use with federal regulations, patient safety, and operational integrity.

We recognize the evolving landscape of medical cannabis. However, cannabis remains classified as a Schedule I controlled substance under federal law, and unregulated cannabis products pose potential risks, which conflict with the strict control hospitals are required to maintain over medications.

While our policy reflects the current legal and regulatory framework, we acknowledge the growing body of evidence supporting the therapeutic use of medical cannabis. We remain committed to monitoring developments in this area and will review and update our policies as necessary to balance patient needs with safety, compliance, and operational integrity.

Patients who use medical cannabis under state law are encouraged to discuss their care needs with their healthcare provider to ensure proper coordination of treatment outside the hospital setting.