Scranton Rep Cosponsors Bill to Grow Crop in State. State Rep. Marty Flynn has read a lot about hemp, the name for cannabis plant varieties grown for industrial uses, such as fiber. During his research, he kept thinking about the legal status of the plant. "To me it seemed like there was no reason for it to be illegal," he said. Mr. Flynn, D-Scranton, became a key cosponsor of House Bill 967, which creates a pilot program for growing hemp in Pennsylvania. The House Agriculture Committee just voted 24-0, with three members not voting, to move the bill out of the committee. [continues 170 words]
State House Working Group Sifts Through Claims. The papers and opinions on medical marijuana kept coming across Rep. Aaron Kaufer's desk. Advocates and opponents wanted their chance to convince him. ASSOCIATED PRESS FILE Young marijuana plants stand under grow lamps at the Pioneer Production and Processing marijuana growing facility in Washington state. A total of 23 states and the District of Columbia allow medical marijuana programs, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Mr. Kaufer, R-Kingston, was a member of a bi-partisan working group in the state House of Representatives looking at the issue of medical marijuana. After months of research and meetings, the group sent its conclusions to House Majority Leader Dave Reed in September. The conclusions gave guidelines for how a potential medical marijuana program could be implemented. [continues 1701 words]
Wilkes-Barre Cannabis Reform Rally Held at Kirby Park on Saturday. WILKES-BARRE - Ryan Berndt smokes pot. He's also a productive member of society, and he was in Kirby Park on Saturday with a sign proclaiming just that. Mr. Berndt came to the Wilkes- Barre Cannabis Reform Rally on Saturday to join other advocates of the herb. About 100 people visited the park's pavilion to hear from a list of speakers preaching the benefits of cannabis and urging state government to adopt more cannabis friendly laws. [continues 221 words]
