Posted: | March 20, 2023 10:53 AM |
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From: | Representative Manuel Guzman, Jr. |
To: | All House members |
Subject: | Medical Cannabis Temporary ID |
As of May 2022, there were 712,421 patients and 37,221 caregivers registered in the Pennsylvania Medical Marijuana Program. My office has received an influx of calls from constituents concerning the timeline for medical cannabis identification card renewals, which often leads to setbacks in their access to medical cannabis. Medical cannabis patients and caregivers should not have to worry about a lapse in treating their conditions due to not receiving their physical identification card by the expiration date. For this reason, I am introducing legislation that would require the Department of Health to develop and implement the issuance of temporary electronic medical cannabis identification cards for renewals. A temporary electronic medical cannabis identification card would be available immediately in the patient portal after the Department of Health approves the patient certification and receives the renewal fee, allowing for use of the temporary card for up to 21 days. Pennsylvania medical cannabis patients and caregivers should be able to access their medication at any time, without the worry or concern for delays. Please join me in co-sponsoring this important legislation that would allow our Medical Marijuana Program to be more efficient and better serve its patients and caregivers. |
Introduced as HB915