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Pennsylvania House of Representatives
09/20/2024 07:54 PM
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/Legis/CSM/showMemoPublic.cfm?chamber=H&SPick=20230&cosponId=40225
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House of Representatives
Session of 2023 - 2024 Regular Session

MEMORANDUM

Posted: March 20, 2023 10:24 AM
From: Representative Jeanne McNeill
To: All House members
Subject: Improvements to the Medical Cannabis Program
 
In 2016, Pennsylvania passed a medical cannabis law that opened up many doors for residents to access medical cannabis for various health conditions. This law also allowed Pennsylvania to align with the other 36 states and three U.S. territories that have legalized medical cannabis use over the years. However, patients may still encounter additional barriers to access, such as the cost of obtaining or not qualifying for a medical cannabis card.
 
High costs may drive patients to look for more affordable solutions, like partaking in the illicit cannabis market, which exposes them to unvetted cannabis products that may contain dangerous toxins. Additionally, Pennsylvania’s medical cannabis law is limited as to which health conditions qualify for a medical cannabis card. It is my belief that elected officials and bureaucratic staffers should not be deciding what ailment qualifies an individual to use medical cannabis.
 
We as legislators need to make our current medical cannabis program more efficient for our constituents. My legislation would enact changes to the Medical Marijuana Act of 2016 to ensure the continued growth and success of Pennsylvania’s medical cannabis industry for the benefit of patients and permit holders alike, such as:
 
  • Requiring Senate confirmation for the Director of the Office of Medical Marijuana.
 

  • Eliminating the list of qualifying conditions and allowing a patient’s doctor to determine which health conditions would qualify.
 

  • Eliminating the need for renewing a medical cannabis card.
 

  • Addressing license uniformity for grower/processors across Pennsylvania.
 
I encourage you to join me in co-sponsoring this important legislation to allow our medical cannabis program to thrive and better serve its patients.
 
 




Memo Updated: March 20, 2023 10:25 AM