Pennsylvania Medical Marijuana Program Reaches Important Milestone

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Scott Gacek | December 22, 2016

HARRISBURG, PA — Full implementation of Pennsylvania’s medical marijuana program is still over a year away, but a significant milestone was reached this week when the Department of Health announced where the state’s dispensaries and cultivation facilities will be located, and that applications will be accepted starting in January.

On Wednesday, Pennsylvania Secretary of Health Dr. Karen Murphy announced that up to twelve grower/processor licensses will be issued across…

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Pennsylvania Department of Health Wants Public Input on Medical Marijuana Application Process

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Pennsylvania flag flying

Press Release | December 6, 2016

HARRISBURG, PA — Pennsylvania Secretary of Health Dr. Karen Murphy today encouraged individuals interested in applying for a medical marijuana grower/processor and/or dispensary permit to complete a brief survey on the department’s website.

“One of our primary focuses as we continue to develop this program is to make sure that patients with serious medical conditions have access to facilities to obtain medical marijuana.” said Secretary Murphy. “As we…

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Pennsylvania Becomes 24th State to Legalize Medical Cannabis

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Pennsylvania Becomes 24th State to Legalize Medical Cannabis

HARRISBURG, PA — In front of a crowd of patients and advocates on Sunday, Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf signed Senate Bill 3, making Pennsylvania the 24th state in the country to adopt a comprehensive medical marijuana program.

The bill, introduced by Senator Mike Folmer, passed the House of Representatives on April 13 in a vote of 149-46 after nearly a year of delays and debate on amendments, most of which were not ultimately included.  The bill will allow patients, with cancer, HIV/AIDS, multiple sclerosis, PTSD, seizures, autism,…

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As PA Becomes 24th Medical Marijuana State, Focus Shifts to Implementation

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As PA Becomes 24th Medical Marijuana State, Focus Shifts to Implementation

On Sunday afternoon, Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf signed Senate Bill 3, making Pennsylvania the 24th medical cannabis state in the country. And with 17 other states offering legal protections for low-THC medical cannabis, there are now 300 million Americans living where their state law is at odds with federal law.

The addition of PA as a medical cannabis state will no doubt help the federal picture, but for Pennsylvanian patients who need access to this medicine, the focus now shifts to implementation of the program.

ASA has observed that…

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Gov. Wolf Signs Bill Making Pennsylvania the 24th Medical Marijuana State

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Gov. Wolf Signs Bill Making Pennsylvania the 24th Medical Marijuana State

More than 50% of Americans now live in states with effective medical marijuana laws

HARRISBURG, PA — In a ceremony crowded with patients and supporters at the State Capital on Sunday, Gov. Tom Wolf signed a bill into law that will provide seriously ill Pennsylvanians with legal access to medical marijuana. The passage of SB 3 makes Pennsylvania the 24th state to allow medical marijuana.

More than half of Americans now live in states with effective medical marijuana laws.

SB 3 would allow patients with a qualifying condition and their…

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Pennsylvania Medical Marijuana Bill Receives Final Approval in Legislature, Heads to Gov. Wolf for His Signature

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Pennsylvania Medical Marijuana Bill Receives Final Approval in Legislature, Heads to Gov. Wolf for His Signature

Once the bill is signed, Pennsylvania will become the 24th state to adopt an effective medical marijuana law

HARRISBURG, PA — A long-awaited bill to establish a medical marijuana program in Pennsylvania received final approval from state lawmakers on Wednesday and is now headed to the desk of Gov. Tom Wolf, who has 10 calendar days to sign it into law.

If Gov. Wolf signs the bill into law, as expected, Pennsylvania will become the 24th state in the nation (in addition to the District of Columbia) to adopt an effective medical marijuana…

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Pennsylvania: Lawmakers Give Final Approval To Medical Marijuana Measure

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Pennsylvania: Lawmakers Give Final Approval To Medical Marijuana Measure

HARRISBURG, PA — House and Senate lawmakers have signed off on legislation, Senate Bill 3, to permit the production and use of medical marijuana products to qualified patients.

Members of the Senate initially approved the measure in 2015. House leadership delayed acting on the bill for several months until finally passing an amended version of SB 3 in March.

Senate and House members voted this week in favor of a concurrent version of the proposal. The measure now goes before Gov. Tom Wolf, who supports patients’ access to medical cannabis…

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Pennsylvania Senate Approves Revised Medical Marijuana Bill

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Pennsylvania Senate Approves Revised Medical Marijuana Bill

If the House votes to concur, SB 3 will finally be sent to the governor for his signature; Pennsylvania would be the 24th state to legalize medical marijuana

HARRISBURG, PA — The Pennsylvania Senate approved a revised bill Tuesday (42-7) that would allow residents suffering from debilitating conditions to access medical marijuana if their doctors recommend it.

The Senate made some technical changes to the version of SB 3 that the House approved last month.

The revised bill will now go back to the House for concurrence. If the House votes to…

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Pennsylvania House Approves Comprehensive Medical Marijuana Bill

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Pennsylvania House Approves Comprehensive Medical Marijuana Bill

Once the bill receives final approval from the Senate and a signature from Gov. Wolf, Pennsylvania will become the 24th state to adopt an effective medical marijuana law

HARRISBURG, PA — The Pennsylvania House of Representatives approved a bill Wednesday (149-43) that would allow residents suffering from debilitating conditions to access medical marijuana if their doctors recommend it. The House-amended version of SB 3 will now go back to the Senate for approval.

The Senate approved the original bill 40-7 in May 2015. The bill then stalled…

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Pennsylvania House Votes 149-43 to Pass Medical Marijuana Bill

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Pennsylvania House Votes 149-43 to Pass Medical Marijuana Bill

HARRISBURG, PA — Pennsylvania is poised to become the 24th US state, plus the District of Columbia, to legalize medical marijuana.

After a long, emotional debate following several days considering amendments, lawmakers in the Republican-controlled Pennsylvania House voted 149 to 43 Wednesday evening to approve a bi-partisan bill to allow medical marijuana in the state.

The bill, Senate Bill 3, now returns to the Senate to approve many significant changes made in the House.  Last May, the Senate passed the measure by a vote of 40 to…

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Pennsylvania Poised to Become 24th Medical Marijuana State

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Pennsylvania Poised to Become 24th Medical Marijuana State

HARRISBURG, PA — Following a 10-month delay since the state Senate first approved Senate Bill 3, which will allow residents suffering from specified medical conditions to use medical marijuana with their doctor’s approval, the House Wednesday approved an amended version of the bill.

The Senate is expected to approve the amended bill, and Gov. Tom Wolf (D) has said he will sign it into law.

“Today’s vote comes as huge relief to countless Pennsylvanians,” said Latrisha Bentch of Harrisburg, whose daughter suffers from mesial temporal…

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The Latest on Pennsylvania Medical Marijuana Senate Bill 3

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The Latest on Pennsylvania Medical Marijuana Senate Bill 3

HARRISBURG, PA — After almost a year of delays, a medical marijuana legalization bill may soon pass the Pennsylvania House.  Since the week began, lawmakers have been busy debating many amendments to Senate Bill 3, the medical marijuana bill that was overwhelmingly approved by the Senate last spring.

Over the course of Monday and Tuesday, House lawmakers debated and voted on dozens of amendments to the proposal, with very few passing.  There were upwards of an estimated 220 potential amendments to the bill — many redundant — in…

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Pennsylvania House to Vote Monday on Medical Marijuana Bill

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Pennsylvania House to Vote Monday on Medical Marijuana Bill

HARRISBURG, PA — Ten months after the state Senate overwhelmingly voted to approve a popular bi-partisan bill to legalize non-smokable forms of medical marijuana in the Keystone State, the Pennsylvania House is finally scheduled to vote on the measure.

Floor debate and a vote is expected on Monday, March 14, on Senate Bill 3.  The bill is scheduled for a second consideration on the House calendar.

The bill enjoys strong bipartisan support, including primary co-sponsors Senators Daylin Leach (D-Montgomery County) and Mike Folmer…

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PA Governor Speaks at Medical Marijuana Rally: “We Need to Get This Done”

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PA Governor Speaks at Medical Marijuana Rally: “We Need to Get This Done”

HARRISBURG, PA — Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf (D) made a surprise appearance at a medical marijuana rally at the Capitol on Monday, calling out House Speaker Mike Turzai (R) for stalling a medical marijuana bill that passed the Senate last year.

“This has actually passed the Senate. Republicans and Democrats both voted for this,” Wolf told supporters Monday.  “We have the votes in the House. We can get this done.  We need to get this done.”

“There are people suffering,” Wolf continued.  “We need to get this across…

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Pennsylvania Medical Marijuana Patients to Rally at Capitol

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To all Pennsylvania and US lawmakers, court officials, and law enforcement officers—

I am a taxpaying Pennsylvania native, Reverend, Eagle Scout, and medical cannabis user for ADHD, depression, and anxiety. I have consulted with several excellent doctors and therapists, from various US states and other developed nations of the world including Germany, Israel, and Denmark— all of whom have seen that it is fitting and proper to recommended cannabis to me, including the great Dr Allan Frankel (http://www.greenbridgemed.com/ ). As a…

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Attention Pennsylvanians: E-mail Your State Representative to Vote Against the Marsico Amendment

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Attention Pennsylvanians: E-mail Your State Representative to Vote Against the Marsico Amendment

Pennsylvania state Rep. Ron Marsico of Dauphin County has proposed an amendment to their medical marijuana bill SB 3. This amendment limits THC levels and the number of growers and dispensers, making patient access to medicine more difficult.

These patients need your help.

Senate Bill 3 created more meaningful access to medical cannabis for Pennsylvanians suffering from serious and all too common illnesses including cancer, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, PTSD, multiple sclerosis, severe fibromyalgia, HIV/AIDS, and glaucoma among other…

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Pennsylvania Medical Marijuana Rally in Cranberry on Saturday

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Pennsylvania Medical Marijuana Rally in Cranberry on Saturday

PITTSBURGH, PA — The Pennsylvania Medical Cannabis Society (PAMCS), along with many concerned state residents, including those suffering from diseases which could be treated with medical cannabis and their families, will be rallying at the Regional Learning Alliance and Conference Center, in Cranberry Township on Saturday, Dec. 5, from 2 to 4 pm.

More than two weeks ago, the House Rules Committee voted to place SB3 on the legislative calendar, but it still has not received a vote.

“While we support Leader Dave Reed’s efforts to gain…

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Pennsylvania Medical Marijuana Bill Moves Out of Committee

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Pennsylvania Medical Marijuana Bill Moves Out of Committee

HARRISBURG, PA — After months of delays, lawmakers in a key Pennsylvania committee voted to send a medical marijuana bill to the floor of the House for a vote.

In a roll-call vote of 25-8 Wednesday afternoon, Senate Bill 3 was passed by the House Rules Committee.  The bill, which was approved by the Senate in May, sending the bill to the floor of the House for full consideration by lawmakers.

All eight “no” votes came from Republican lawmakers, but ten Republicans voted yes, including committee chair Dave Reed, along with all 15…

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Time is Running Out for PA House to Act on Medical Marijuana

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Time is Running Out for PA House to Act on Medical Marijuana

It has been almost six months since the Senate passed sensible medical cannabis legislation. Seriously ill patients have been suffering while waiting for the House to take action. They should not have to wait one more day.

HARRISBURG, PA — With very few session days remaining this year, Republican leadership in Pennsylvania still has not introduced medical marijuana legislation in the House. Early reports about the contents of the draft still raise serious concerns — including a 10% THC cap, an explicit prohibition on dried flowers and…

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Pennsylvania Religious Leaders Announce Support for Medical Marijuana Legislation

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I’d like to say loudly and proudly that I’m one of the Reverends who signed it, and in addition I’ve this to say—

To all Pennsylvania and US lawmakers, court officials, and law enforcement officers—

I am a taxpaying Pennsylvania native, Reverend, Eagle Scout, and medical cannabis user for ADHD, depression, and anxiety. I have consulted with several excellent doctors and therapists, from various US states and other developed nations of the world including Germany, Israel, and Denmark— all of whom have seen that it is fitting and…

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Pennsylvania Religious Leaders Announce Support For Medical Marijuana

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I’m one of the Reverends who signed it, and in addition I’ve this to say—

To all Pennsylvania and US lawmakers, court officials, and law enforcement officers—

I am a taxpaying Pennsylvania native, Reverend, Eagle Scout, and medical cannabis user for ADHD, depression, and anxiety. I have consulted with several excellent doctors and therapists, from various US states and other developed nations of the world including Germany, Israel, and Denmark— all of whom have seen that it is fitting and proper to recommended cannabis to me,…

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Pennsylvania Medical Marijuana Bill Moved to Rules Committee

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Pennsylvania Medical Marijuana Bill Moved to Rules Committee

HARRISBURG — The Pennsylvania State House Health Committee voted unanimously on Friday to reassign Senate Bill 3, which would allow seriously ill Pennsylvanians to access medical marijuana with recommendations from their doctors. The committee voted to re-refer the bill to the House Rules Committee for further consideration.

The vote follows the filing of a discharge petition by Rep. Nick Miccarelli (R-Ridley Park) that would have removed SB 3 from the Health Committee where it had stalled and put it before the full House for a vote.  Only 25 signatures from lawmakers were needed, and the petition was closed with 40 signatures — at which point additional representatives weren’t allowed to sign on.

Rep. Miccarelli rose to call the petition, but in a surprising move, Health…

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Pennsylvania House May See Vote on Medical Marijuana

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Pennsylvania House May See Vote on Medical Marijuana

Planned discharge petition would remove SB 3 from House Health Committee where it has stalled and permit a vote in the full House of Representatives

HARRISBURG, PA — Pennsylvania State Rep. Nick Miccarelli (R-Ridley Park) will file a discharge petition in the House of Representatives on Friday to remove a medical marijuana bill from the House Health Committee and bring it to the full floor for a vote.

Senate Bill 3 would allow seriously ill Pennsylvanians to access medical marijuana with recommendations from their doctors. Rep. Matthew Baker (R-Wellsboro), who chairs the Health Committee, has stated that he will not call the bill for a vote there.  The bill was passed in the Senate by a vote of 40-7 earlier this year.

“There is no reason this compassionate legislation should not get…

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(Another) Poll Finds Nearly All Pennsylvania Voters Support Medical Marijuana

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(Another) Poll Finds Nearly All Pennsylvania Voters Support Medical Marijuana

LANCASTER, PA — Yet another poll has found that nearly all Pennsylvania voters support legalizing medical marijuana in the Keystone State, while a bill that would do just that has been blocked in the House by a single state representative who disagrees.

The latest poll, conducted by the Floyd Institute’s Center for Opinion Research at Franklin & Marshall College and released Thursday, finds 87% of Pennsylvania voters favor the legalization of medical marijuana in the state.  Among those polled that support medical marijuana, 67% said they “strongly favor” it.

“We’re talking a majority of people in both parties, male or female,” said political science professor G. Terry Madonna, who conducted the poll. “Virtually every demographic, every region of the state. You can’t…

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Pennsylvania Libertarians Condemn Matt Baker’s Attempts to Block Medical Marijuana Bill

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Pennsylvania Libertarians Condemn Matt Baker’s Attempts to Block Medical Marijuana Bill

Denying Pennsylvanians access to medical cannabis is cruel punishment for those suffering from a variety of illnesses

In response to actions by Pennsylvania State Representative Matt Baker (R-68th District) blocking a vote on Senate Bill 3 – which would legalize the use of cannabis for medical purposes  – Matthew Schutter, Chairman of the Lehigh County Libertarian Party and candidate for Carbon County Sheriff, issued the following statement on behalf of the Libertarian Party of Pennsylvania:

“Citizens in 23 states plus the District of Columbia have access, with a doctor’s prescription, to medical cannabis. This substance provides them with relief from symptoms associated with chemotherapy, AIDS, PTSD, glaucoma, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, and other conditions. For many medical…

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Source: The Daily Chronic

Pennsylvania: Medical Cannabis Advocates Applaud Bipartisan Vote on SB 3

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Pennsylvania: Medical Cannabis Advocates Applaud Bipartisan Vote on SB 3

Last week, the Pennsylvania Senate passed SB 3, a legislative proposal that would create a functional medical cannabis program in the state. Sen. Mike Folmer (R-Lebanon) and Sen. Daylin Leach (D-Montgomery) co-sponsored the legislation and built up bipartisan support that lead to the bill’s passage by a margin of 40-7.

“The support of so many in the Senate and the many, many advocates has been overwhelming and I cannot thank everyone enough,” said Folmer.  “I believe in its present form Senate Bill 3 represents a balance between the…

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Medical Marijuana: A Brand New Battle in Pennsylvania

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Medical Marijuana: A Brand New Battle in Pennsylvania

Who is Matthew Baker and more importantly, who does he think he is?

If I had to guess, he’s a power hungry politician who represents a very small percentage of Pennsylvanians. He seems more intent on being a pseudo scientist and medical professional than in being a legislator.

One cannot argue the republican representative is very popular in Tioga County (population a bit over 46,000) where he garners enough support to potentially remain in office for a very long time.

Matt Baker memeHe claims to have all this scientific data and research, yet has failed…

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Pennsylvania Medical Marijuana Blocked by Rep. Matt Baker

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The United States Federal Government Conspiracy on Cannabis

I will start off by getting right to the point in saying that for over seventy years our government has lied to the American public and to the rest of the world about the dangers of cannabis aka “marijuana” (in legal government documents its spelled marihuana). The United States Federal Government, since 1937, has taken part in a conspiracy to mislead the general public’s opinion on the cannabis plant, which includes both hemp and marijuana as part of its genome species.

They…

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Pennsylvania Senate Passes Medical Cannabis Bill SB 3

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Pennsylvania Senate Passes Medical Cannabis Bill SB 3

HARRISBURG, PA — On Tuesday the Pennsylvania Senate passed SB 3, a legislative proposal that would create a functional medical cannabis program in the state. Sen. Mike Folmer (R-Lebanon) and Sen. Daylin Leach (D-Montgomery) co-sponsored the legislation and built up bipartisan support that lead to the bill’s passage by a margin of 40-7.

“The support of so many in the Senate and the many, many advocates has been overwhelming and I cannot thank everyone enough,” said Folmer.  “I believe in its present form Senate Bill 3 represents a…

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Pennsylvania Senate Passess Medical Marijuana Bill; Heads to House for Consideration

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Pennsylvania Senate Passess Medical Marijuana Bill; Heads to House for Consideration

HARRISBURG, PA — The Pennsylvania Senate voted Tuesday to approve a bill that could bring medical marijuana to the Keystone state.  The bill now heads to the House for consideration.

The 40 to 7 vote to approve Senate Bill 3 came after a brief discussion on the bill.   The bill now heads to the House for consideration, where advocates are hopeful it will fare better this year than the bill’s predecessor last year.

Senate Bill 3 was introduced by Senators Daylin Leach (D-Montgomery County) and Mike Folmer (R-Lebanon County), and…

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Pennsylvania Medical Marijuana Bill Clears Final Senate Committee

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Pennsylvania Medical Marijuana Bill Clears Final Senate Committee

HARRISBURG, PA —  A bill that could bring some forms of medical marijuana to patients in Pennsylvania cleared a final committee on Monday, and will now be sent to the floor of the Senate for a vote as early as Wednesday.

The bill, Senate Bill 3, was reported out of the Senate Appropriations Committee by a vote of 21-4.  The committee did not make any major amendments to the bill before advancing the measure.

The bill could be called to the floor of the Senate this week, as early as Wednesday, for a vote, but possible amendments to the…

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Pennsylvania Senate Could Vote on Medical Marijuana Next Week

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Pennsylvania Senate Could Vote on Medical Marijuana Next Week

HARRISBURG, PA — Lawmakers in the full Pennsylvania Senate could vote on a bill to allow some forms of medical marijuana in the state next week.

The bill, Senate Bill 3, would first have to clear the Senate Appropriations Committee, which is scheduled to consider the bill on Monday, according to the committee’s legislative calendar.  If approved by the committee, which is expected, the bill would move to the floor of the full Senate for a vote, which could happen as early as Wednesday.

The bi-partisan bill, introduced by…

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PA Medical Society: “Too Few” Studies on Medical Marijuana

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Removing cannabis from our pharmacopeia 7 decades ago may have resulted in thousands of opioid deaths:

“From a pharmacological perspective, cannabinoids are considerably safer than opioids and have broad applicability in palliative care. Had cannabis not been removed from our pharmacopeia 7 decades ago and remained available to treat chronic pain, potentially thousands of lives that have been lost to opioid toxicity could have been prevented.”
“The medicinal cannabis user should not be considered a criminal in any state and the DEA and…

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