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Pennsylvania Takes Steps Towards Legalizing Medical Marijuana

A pot leaf on the Liberty Bell marks the first steps Pennsylvania is taking towards legalizing medical marijuana.

Medical

Pennsylvania Takes Steps Towards Legalizing Medical Marijuana

The Compassionate Use of Medical Marijuana Act is finally making its way through the Pennsylvania State Senate after being introduced by Senator Mike Folmer back in January. The bipartisan medical bill was unanimously on voted by the Pennsylvania Senate Law and Justice Committee.

Democratic Senator Jim Ferlo said, “After hearing so many moving and deeply personal stories on the issue of medical cannabis, I am proud that the Law & Justice Committee passed legislation today that meets the needs of patients in our Commonwealth. The number one priority of Senate Bill 1182 is patient care and compassion, and the bipartisan bill that we crafted certainly reflects that.”

Regulations for SB1182 will not allow patients to smoke cannabis although they will have access to other forms of their medicine including vaporized cannabis, edibles, tinctures, ointments and other topical products. All potential patients must be Pennsylvania residents and will be required to demonstrate a medical need for cannabis and get a $100 state card from the Pennsylvania Department of Health before being allowed to make any purchases.

The Board of Medical Cannabis Licensing will oversee the proposal which will also create three types of licenses that will allow marijuana to be grown, processed and dispensed. They will also have the power to reject, repeal and suspend licenses.

If approved by the full Senate, the bill will head to the House after summer recess and be voted on during the fall session. With New York’s recent approval of medical marijuana, many cannabis supporters are hopeful the bill will be signed into law.

“I’m not claiming victory here,” said Senator Mike Folmer. “We won a battle, we have not won the war, and I’m asking [the] leadership for that same support, to keep this bill moving forward.”

Do you support medical marijuana in Pennsylvania? Let us know in the comments below.

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