HARRISBURG, Pa. – There is new legislation being prepared that would allow limited medical marijuana use in Pennsylvania.
Rep. Ron Marsico (R-Dauphin) is behind the proposal that would allow doctors to certify that a patient may use medical marijuana if they’re suffering from a “serious medical condition.” Those conditions include cancer, HIV/AIDS, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy and other ailments. The bill also clarifies that no patient, caregiver, medical marijuana organization, or practitioner will be subject to arrest or penalty or denied any right or privilege for lawful use of medical marijuana.
“I understand that this legislation won’t satisfy everyone,” Marsico said in a release. “However, I feel it provides a good middle ground and is truly compromise legislation. I believe it will allow us to safely implement the use of medical marijuana in this state. The language has been carefully drafted to ensure smooth implementation and reach our goal of helping those who so desperately need it.”
The Senate passed a bill to legalize medical marijuana last month. The head of the House Health Committee is refusing to take it up for a vote.
This new bill would go to a different committee, which Marsico chairs.
The legislation hasn’t been introduced.
