Robert Celt
New Member
While Pennsylvania is closer than ever to making medical marijuana available for patients who need it, some hurdles remain along with important answers to significant questions.
It's been two decades since California became the first state to allow for medicinal use of marijuana and cannabis. Since then, 23 states – along with Guam and Washington, D.C., have enacted similar legislation.
Pennsylvania seems poised to join that list. In one context, it is about time. Enough studies have been done across the nation to justify appropriately managed and maintained medical uses for the drug in various forms. In another vein, opponents argue the state is bypassing the Food and Drug Administration.
Pennsylvania's legislation, now heading to the Senate, would allow people to buy marijuana from a dispensary after a doctor has prescribed it for one of 17 conditions, including: cancer, epilepsy, autism, Parkinson's disease, post-traumatic stress disorder, sickle cell anemia, multiple sclerosis, AIDS, glaucoma and chronic or intractable pain. The commonwealth would license up to 25 growers and processors, and as many as 50 dispensaries, which could each operate three locations.
Supporters of the legislation are glad the bill has finally moved forward after bogging down several times in the House. Proponents have concerns as well, including the fear that facilities may not be located in more suburban regions – such as the Susquehanna Valley – which may limit the number of providers available.
"I don't know, being in a rural area, I'm concerned whether there will be physicians willing to be on site," said Cristy Harding, an emergency room nurse whose son has a form of epilepsy that can be treated with medical marijuana. "It's hard for me to imagine a doctor giving up his practice and that amount of money for the center."
The House passage is unquestionably a step forward for those like Harding. Where those steps lead, and what steps remain for medical marijuana to become a viable option with appropriate oversight and availability across the state, should be a top priority moving forward.
News Moderator: Robert Celt 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: Pennsylvania: Moving Forward On Medical Marijuana
Author: Editorial
Contact: The Daily Item
Photo Credit: None found
Website: The Daily Item
It's been two decades since California became the first state to allow for medicinal use of marijuana and cannabis. Since then, 23 states – along with Guam and Washington, D.C., have enacted similar legislation.
Pennsylvania seems poised to join that list. In one context, it is about time. Enough studies have been done across the nation to justify appropriately managed and maintained medical uses for the drug in various forms. In another vein, opponents argue the state is bypassing the Food and Drug Administration.
Pennsylvania's legislation, now heading to the Senate, would allow people to buy marijuana from a dispensary after a doctor has prescribed it for one of 17 conditions, including: cancer, epilepsy, autism, Parkinson's disease, post-traumatic stress disorder, sickle cell anemia, multiple sclerosis, AIDS, glaucoma and chronic or intractable pain. The commonwealth would license up to 25 growers and processors, and as many as 50 dispensaries, which could each operate three locations.
Supporters of the legislation are glad the bill has finally moved forward after bogging down several times in the House. Proponents have concerns as well, including the fear that facilities may not be located in more suburban regions – such as the Susquehanna Valley – which may limit the number of providers available.
"I don't know, being in a rural area, I'm concerned whether there will be physicians willing to be on site," said Cristy Harding, an emergency room nurse whose son has a form of epilepsy that can be treated with medical marijuana. "It's hard for me to imagine a doctor giving up his practice and that amount of money for the center."
The House passage is unquestionably a step forward for those like Harding. Where those steps lead, and what steps remain for medical marijuana to become a viable option with appropriate oversight and availability across the state, should be a top priority moving forward.
News Moderator: Robert Celt 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: Pennsylvania: Moving Forward On Medical Marijuana
Author: Editorial
Contact: The Daily Item
Photo Credit: None found
Website: The Daily Item
