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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2015 - 2016
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | May 1, 2015 03:31 PM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Mike Regan |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | Criminal Diversion of Medical Marijuana |
| The House Judiciary Committee and House Health Committee recently concluded a series of hearings on the topic of medical marijuana. I believe firmly that the state should legalize the medical use of marijuana and I intend to work with both Committees to accomplish that goal. From these Hearings, it has become apparent to me that some are hesitant to support the legalization of medical marijuana due to genuine concern about the possible harms that could arise from the criminal diversion of legally grown marijuana. As a former law enforcement officer, I can understand these misgivings. In order to calm these fears, I intend to introduce a Bill that will create clear criminal penalties for anyone who diverts legally grown marijuana for non-medical purposes. Under my Bill, the criminal diversion of medical marijuana would be graded as a misdemeanor of the second degree, punishable by up to two years imprisonment and a $5,000 fine. I believe these penalties would effectively prevent and deter the diversion of legally grown marijuana to the black market and improper use of medical marijuana. By sponsoring this Bill, I believe we will show the people of Pennsylvania that we will move forward with the legalization of medical marijuana in a responsible manner, taking care that any medical marijuana program is strictly regulated to address potential public safety concerns. These criminal penalties will demonstrate that the legalization of medical marijuana can be accomplished in a regulated and controlled manner in order to prevent any collateral harm in the Commonwealth -- while delivering much-needed relief to those who can benefit from it. Please join me in sponsoring this legislation. |
Introduced as HB35