Oct. 09, 2015
For the past several months, a task force made up of 14 members of the House, including myself, has been working diligently on a report designed to make recommendations on legalizing medical cannabis in Pennsylvania to the General Assembly. I am happy to report the recommendations have been submitted for review and to be prepared for legislation to be offered to both chambers in the Capitol.
These recommendations include licenses the Commonwealth would create to manufacture, process and dispense medical cannabis. These licenses would be dispersed geographically around Pennsylvania. The final steps of the report would be included in legislation that is being crafted at this time.
Our report makes it clear that legalized medical cannabis would only be allowed in the form of pills, oils and vaporization and not through smoking or “edible” form. There is nothing involved in this report that would legalize a recreational usage.
The panel recommends medical cannabis treatment be made available for 14 specific diseases including HIV/AIDS, seizures, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, Crohn’s disease, damage to the tissue of the spinal column, neuropathies, post-traumatic stress disorder, glaucoma and chronic pain management.
At a State Capitol rally recently, I told the story of my 70 year old father-in-law who, in an effort to alleviate some of his suffering, ventured out to find marijuana to ease his pain. Sadly, he did succumb to lymphoma. This is one of the reasons why I am working on this issue with bipartisan members of the House and Senate.
The legalization of medical cannabis transcends ideology and partisanship. That’s why so many members of both chambers have joined in this effort to make this medicine available for children and adults around the Commonwealth who suffer from debilitating illnesses.
I have received overwhelming support from constituents on this effort. In fact, I have heard from many families who would be helped by the legalization of this treatment.
I look forward to the completion of legislation that will be offered for consideration by the Legislature. Several bills exist now, but we are working on a full compromise plan that has the input of many experts and lawmakers. This has not been a “sudden” issue. Legislation for legalization of medical cannabis has been offered in House and Senate sessions since 2009-10. The time to come to an agreement and make this happen is now. Victims of serious and debilitating illness have waited long enough. They deserve our support and action.
By Rep. Mike Regan (R-York/Cumberland)
Representative Mike Regan
92nd Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
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