The movement to legalize medical cannabis has cleared the Pennsylvania House of Representatives and looks to be bound for approval. It was approved by a vote of 149-43, and will now move to the Senate, which has supported this measure in the past. Governor Wolf has indicated that he will sign it.
The bill lays out regulatory steps for approval. Dispensaries, as well as those who grow and process medical cannabis, will have to be licensed by the state. Doctors prescribing the treatment will have to register as practitioners. The ID cards given to patients to access the medicine will have to be renewed annually. The bill would permit 25 growers or processors statewide, and as many as 50 dispensaries could be established.
The bill approves the use of medical cannabis in pill, oil or ointment form. It cannot be smoked. Opponents decried it as a move towards full legalization.
The bill lays out regulatory steps for approval. Dispensaries, as well as those who grow and process medical cannabis, will have to be licensed by the state. Doctors prescribing the treatment will have to register as practitioners. The ID cards given to patients to access the medicine will have to be renewed annually. The bill would permit 25 growers or processors statewide, and as many as 50 dispensaries could be established.
The bill approves the use of medical cannabis in pill, oil or ointment form. It cannot be smoked. Opponents decried it as a move towards full legalization.