Pennsylvania’s Republican-led House of Representatives passed Senate Bill 3 on Wednesday by a vote of 149-43. If it becomes law, the legislation would legalize medical marijuana in the state.
According to The Philadelphia Inquirer, leaders in the state’s GOP-led Senate have said that the bill is expected to pass the Senate as well.
“I applaud the Pennsylvania House for passing legislation to legalize medical marijuana, and I look forward to the Senate sending the bill to my desk. We will finally provide the essential help needed by patients suffering from seizures, cancer, and other illnesses,” said Democratic Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf in a statement cited by FOX 43.
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Debating in favor of the bill, Rep. Jeff Pyle (R-Armstrong), a cancer survivor, said, “We have a chance today to improve the lives of kids – and old people like me.”
Fox News notes that Rep. Matt Baker (R-Tioga) argued against the bill, saying, “I can not remember the last time a body voted on a bill in direct violation of federal law.”
The bill would allow the use of cannabis in oil, pill, or ointment form, but would not legalize smoking. Up to 25 growers would be permitted across the state, and licenses would be issued to up to 50 dispensaries, each of which being allowed to serve patients at up to 3 locations.
The Daily Chronic published a list of medical conditions, seen below, that would qualify a patient to obtain a medical marijuana card under the legislation. The law would require patients to renew their cards annually.
“Put aside philosophy, put aside agendas, and think for a moment of giving a moment of relief to the afflicted,” said Rep. Michael O’Brien (D-Philadelphia).
In September of 2014, Ben Swann released a Truth in Media episode tackling the federal government’s mixed messages on medical cannabis. Watch it in the below-embedded video player.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zuX9y0hiqWE