Pennsylvania 2023-2024 Regular Session

Pennsylvania Senate Bill SB538

Introduced
4/4/23  
Refer
4/4/23  

Caption

In preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions; and, in program, further providing for lawful use of medical marijuana and for unlawful use of medical marijuana.

Impact

The bill's passage would alter how medical marijuana is dispensed and consumed in Pennsylvania. By officially recognizing edible forms of medical marijuana, it opens avenues for patients, especially those with difficulty ingesting traditional forms, to have greater access to alternative consumption methods. Additionally, it seeks to enhance the safety protocols around the packaging and marketing of these products to ensure protection for minors and patients alike, thereby establishing a more regulated market for medical marijuana consumables.

Summary

Senate Bill 538 seeks to amend the existing Medical Marijuana Act that was established in Pennsylvania. The proposed changes aim to clarify definitions and regulations surrounding the lawful use of medical marijuana, particularly focusing on the introduction of 'edible medical marijuana products'. This includes products intended for human consumption via oral ingestion, such as gummies, capsules, and liquids, while ensuring that these products comply with food safety and labeling guidelines mandated by the Department of Health.

Sentiment

Overall, the sentiment surrounding SB 538 has been largely positive among healthcare advocates and patients who view it as a progressive step toward better medical care options. However, there are concerns regarding the regulation and enforcement of the new definitions and requirements. Opposition may stem from skeptics worried about the implications of expanding marijuana use and potential misuse in accessible formats. The discussions highlight the need for strict oversight while integrating more comprehensive patient care strategies into the medical marijuana framework.

Contention

Notable points of contention center around the safe use and manufacturing of edible marijuana products, with debates focusing on how these items will be regulated to prevent them from falling into the hands of underage individuals. There are also discussions regarding the necessary changes to current enforcement mechanisms, with some fearing that increased access could lead to potential overuse or dependency among patients. As this bill unfolds, stakeholders will need to address these concerns to ensure a balanced approach to medical cannabis legislation.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA SB835

In preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions; in program, further providing for program established, for confidentiality and public disclosure, for lawful use of medical marijuana and for unlawful use of medical marijuana; in practitioners, further providing for practitioner registration, for practitioner restrictions, for issuance of certification and for duration; in patients, further providing for identification cards, for verification and for contents of identification card; in medical marijuana organizations, further providing for granting of permit, for relocation and for limitations on permits; in medical marijuana controls, further providing for electronic tracking, for grower/processors, for storage and transportation, for laboratory and for prices and providing for recalls; in dispensaries, further providing for dispensing to patients and caregivers and for facility requirements; in tax on medical marijuana, further providing for Medical Marijuana Program Fund; in Medical Marijuana Advisory Board, further providing for advisory board; in research program, further providing for establishment of medical marijuana research program, for medical marijuana research program administration and for approval; in academic clinical research centers and clinical registrants, further providing for legislative findings and declaration of policy, for definitions and for clinical registrants and providing for termination of contract; and, in miscellaneous provisions, further providing for applicability.

PA SB32

Permitting medical marijuana be prescribed in edible form

PA HB2208

In preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions; in medical marijuana controls, further providing for electronic tracking and for laboratory; and, in Medical Marijuana Advisory Board, further providing for advisory board.

PA HB1083

Adding and amending provisions relating to farmer-growers by, in preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions; in program, further providing for program established and for unlawful use of medical marijuana; in medical marijuana organizations, further providing for medical marijuana organizations, for permits, for granting of permit, for application and issuance, for fees and other requirements and for limitations on permits; in medical marijuana controls, further providing for electronic tracking, providing for farmer-growers and further providing for storage and transportation; in tax on medical marijuana, further providing for tax on medical marijuana; in academic clinical research centers and clinical registrants, further providing for clinical registrants; and, in miscellaneous provisions, further providing for zoning.

PA SB88

Permitting medical marijuana be prescribed in edible form

PA SB573

Permitting medical marijuana to be prescribed in edible form

PA HB33

In preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions; in practitioners, further providing for practitioner registration; in medical marijuana controls, further providing for electronic tracking and for laboratory; and, in Medical Marijuana Advisory Board, further providing for advisory board.

PA HB4005

To legalize the use of edibles when a patient is prescribed medical marijuana

PA SB1980

Medical marijuana; defining term; modifying definition. Effective date.

PA HB1719

Medical marijuana; creating the Medical Marijuana Act of 2023; effective date.

Similar Bills

HI SB704

Relating To Marijuana.

AZ HB2082

Marijuana; sampling; advertising; sale

AZ HB2770

Marijuana; interstate agreements; delivery

CT HB05458

An Act Concerning The Regulation Of The Retail Sale Of Marijuana.

AZ SB1410

Marijuana; licensing; delivery

VA HB2428

Marijuana; advertising restrictions, penalties.

VA SB1233

Marijuana; advertising restrictions, penalties.

HI HB7

Relating To Marijuana.