Pennsylvania: State House Could Decide This Week on Medical Marijuana

Philly.com reports…

But as with all big-ticket bills in the Capitol that inspire deep divisions, it could fall victim to politics. The Republican-controlled chamber is considering a lengthy list of changes to the measure, which advocates say could make access more difficult for those who need it.

And several legislators privately grumbled that one of their colleagues, Rep. Matt Baker (R., Bradford), an opponent of the bill, appeared to be attempting to pull off a Washington-style filibuster Monday night – a preview of what could ensue when the measure comes up for a vote on final passage. That could happen as early as Wednesday.

Even if the bill passes the House, it is unclear whether the amendments the chamber appears certain to make are palatable to the Senate, where Democrats and Republicans alike have championed the issue.

Jennifer Kocher, a spokeswoman for Republicans who control the Senate, said the caucus was reviewing the proposed changes.

Gov. Wolf, a Democrat, supports legalizing medical cannabis and has said he would sign a bill if it reaches his desk.

“It is time to legalize medical marijuana, because we should not deny doctor-recommended treatment that could help people suffering from seizures or cancer patients affected by chemotherapy,” he said in a statement Monday.

…Speaker Mike Turzai (R., Allegheny) opposes medical legalization. But Majority Leader Dave Reed (R., Indiana) is a supporter, and vowed this year to bring the measure up for a vote.

The main amendment the House approved Monday evening grew out of months of work by a bipartisan work group of House members and staff.

….. Under the amendment, patients would be issued identification cards that would allow them to access medical marijuana from one of 150 dispensaries across the state.
Read full report at http://www.philly.com/philly/news/politics/20160315_Could_Pa__legalize_medical_marijuana_this_week_.html#xWVuQAYVKvZ77cq1.99

 

Regular Session 2015-2016

Senate Bill 3 Reintroduction of Medical Cannabis

http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billInfo/billInfo.cfm?sYear=2015&sInd=0&body=S&type=B&bn=0003

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