Medical Marijuana Bill Clears Pa. Senate Committee

Legislation legalizing medical marijuana in Pennsylvania cleared a state Senate committee on Friday.

Senate Bill 1182 would allow individuals to apply for cannabis access cards from the state Department of Health. Those seeking cards would have to provide written documentation from licensed medical professionals of an approved medical condition.

The bill was passed Friday by the Senate Law and Justice Committee.

“The individuals who will be helped most by this sort of treatment are some of the state’s most vulnerable residents, including children who suffer from debilitating seizures who have exhausted all other treatment options,” said state Sen. Chuck McIlhinney. “Despite many prejudices surrounding this issue, the use of medical cannabis offers tremendous potential as a safe and effective treatment for many Pennsylvanians suffering from chronic illness.”

McIlhinney, R-10, is chairman of the Senate Law and Justice Committee.

“We have worked long and hard on this very important measure to help improve the quality of life of Pennsylvanians, and I am overjoyed that the Senate Law and Justice Committee members advanced this bill today,” said state Sen. Mike Folmer, R-48, who introduced the bill.

The bill would create a Board of Medical Cannabis Licensing, which would regulate the growing, processing and distribution of medical marijuana.

Under the terms of the bill, no one could grow, process or distribute medical marijuana without a license.

The bill now goes to the full Senate for consideration.

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