Pubdate: Tue, 15 Mar 2016
Source: Times-Tribune, The (Scranton PA)
Copyright: 2016 Associated Press
Contact:  http://www.thetimes-tribune.com
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/4440
Author: Mark Scolforo, Associated Press

HOUSE DEBATES MARIJUANA BILL

HARRISBURG (AP) - The Pennsylvania House of Representatives took up a 
proposal Monday to permit the use of marijuana for medical purposes, 
a potential breakthrough for supporters who have worked for several 
years to get legalization through the Republican-controlled Legislature.

The debate began with passage of an elaborate amendment, crafted by a 
bipartisan task force, laying out rules for how the program would 
work, including eligibility and regulations. It was approved by a 
152-38 vote, but the measure still requires a final House vote.

The amended bill would limit medical marijuana to those who have been 
certified by a medical practitioner to have one of a list of 
qualifying conditions, including cancer, epilepsy, multiple 
sclerosis, AIDS, glaucoma and chronic or intractable pain.

Patients could take the drug as pills, oils and liquids but not in 
smokeable form. Dispensaries could not sell edible types of 
marijuana, but patients would be allowed to incorporate it into food 
themselves. The grower-processors would pay a 5 percent tax on gross 
receipts from dispensaries.

The bill envisions 25 growers and 50 dispensaries, and each 
dispensary could have up to three locations. Marijuana could only be 
grown in indoor, secure facilities within the state.

Rep. Matt Baker, R-Tioga, warned that medical marijuana legalization 
would "hurt a lot of people," comparing it to the state's opioid problem.

"I find it amazing that while we recognize we're in the midst of one 
of the worst drug crises in history, we're now looking to legalize 
the most illicit drug in America and Pennsylvania - marijuana," said 
Mr. Baker, who as chairman of the Health Committee had helped keep 
the measure bottled up.

But Rep. Joe Petrarca, D-Westmoreland, said the goal would be to give 
doctors a tool to help people.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom