Jacob Redmond
Well-Known Member
Harrisburg, PA — Advocates working to legalize medical marijuana said Tuesday the odds of success are better this year.
The political odd couple of Sen. Mike Folmer, a conservative Republican, and Sen. Daylin Leach, a liberal Democrat, are teaming up to try to get the medicinal cannabis bill on Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf's desk.
Wolf's support for the issue during the 2014 campaign is a major part of the optimism for Senate Democrats and Republicans, who joined together last year on a 43-7 vote to send the issue to the House, where it fizzled.
Former Republican Gov. Tom Corbett opposed it, and then in an election year changed his position to support it for treating severe seizures.
Folmer, of Lebanon, called the prospects for House passage "very good" this year.
There was considerable support in the House, which is Republican-controlled, as is the Senate, he said. But it was never scheduled for a vote.
House Speaker Mike Turzai, R-Marshall, the former majority leader, controlled the voting calendar and expressed reservations. The new majority leader, Dave Reed, a Republican from Indiana County, was a co-sponsor of a bill that differed from Folmer's.
A joint House committee is planning hearings, said Stephen Miskin, a House GOP spokesman.
"This is not a red issue," Folmer said. "It's not a blue issue. It's not even a purple issue. This is not about the high. This is about medicine."
"Many young children spend their days (suffering seizures) rather than playing," said Senate Minority Leader Jay Costa, D-Forest Hills.
Legislative supporters are looking at other medicinal uses.
Folmer said the bill proposes permitting licensed, independent businesses to sell the product. The bill calls for up to 65 medical cannabis growers.
News Moderator: Jacob Redmond 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: Supporters optimistic about passage of medical marijuana | TribLIVE
Author: Brad Bumsted
Contact: bbumsted@tribweb.com
Photo Credit: None Found
Website: Pittsburgh News, Sports, and Events - Tribune-Review
The political odd couple of Sen. Mike Folmer, a conservative Republican, and Sen. Daylin Leach, a liberal Democrat, are teaming up to try to get the medicinal cannabis bill on Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf's desk.
Wolf's support for the issue during the 2014 campaign is a major part of the optimism for Senate Democrats and Republicans, who joined together last year on a 43-7 vote to send the issue to the House, where it fizzled.
Former Republican Gov. Tom Corbett opposed it, and then in an election year changed his position to support it for treating severe seizures.
Folmer, of Lebanon, called the prospects for House passage "very good" this year.
There was considerable support in the House, which is Republican-controlled, as is the Senate, he said. But it was never scheduled for a vote.
House Speaker Mike Turzai, R-Marshall, the former majority leader, controlled the voting calendar and expressed reservations. The new majority leader, Dave Reed, a Republican from Indiana County, was a co-sponsor of a bill that differed from Folmer's.
A joint House committee is planning hearings, said Stephen Miskin, a House GOP spokesman.
"This is not a red issue," Folmer said. "It's not a blue issue. It's not even a purple issue. This is not about the high. This is about medicine."
"Many young children spend their days (suffering seizures) rather than playing," said Senate Minority Leader Jay Costa, D-Forest Hills.
Legislative supporters are looking at other medicinal uses.
Folmer said the bill proposes permitting licensed, independent businesses to sell the product. The bill calls for up to 65 medical cannabis growers.
News Moderator: Jacob Redmond 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: Supporters optimistic about passage of medical marijuana | TribLIVE
Author: Brad Bumsted
Contact: bbumsted@tribweb.com
Photo Credit: None Found
Website: Pittsburgh News, Sports, and Events - Tribune-Review
