Pennsylvania 2023-2024 Regular Session

Pennsylvania House Bill HB1042

Introduced
4/28/23  

Caption

In preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions; and, in medical marijuana organizations, further providing for limitations on permits and providing for additional dispensary permits and for application and issuance of additional dispensary permits.

Impact

The amendment created by HB 1042 is expected to have a significant impact on state regulations regarding medical marijuana dispensaries. By allowing for additional dispensary permits, the bill potentially increases access to medical marijuana for patients while also addressing the need for more supply in response to growing demand. This could lead to enhanced economic opportunities within the medical marijuana sector, effectively stimulating local economies and creating jobs in the process.

Summary

House Bill 1042 proposes amendments to the Pennsylvania Medical Marijuana Act, specifically focusing on the process for issuing additional dispensary permits. It provides eligibility criteria for grower/processors to apply for more dispensary permits, thus aiming to expand the medical marijuana infrastructure within the state. The bill introduces necessary provisions for defining circumstances under which additional permits may be granted, and stipulates the review, application, and issuance procedures for these permits.

Sentiment

Discussions surrounding HB 1042 indicate a generally positive sentiment toward its goals. Proponents argue that expanding dispensary permits is necessary to meet patient needs and improve access to medical marijuana. However, there are concerns from some stakeholders about ensuring that the regulatory framework maintains quality standards and prevents market saturation, which could undermine the integrity of the medical marijuana program.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the limitations placed on the number of dispensary permits that can be awarded to a single entity, which are introduced in the bill to prevent monopolization within the market. Opponents worry that these limitations could lead to inequities in permit distribution and might hinder the growth of smaller producers. Moreover, there is ongoing debate about how these changes will affect existing dispensaries and their operations amid the expanded regulatory landscape.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Similar Bills

PA SB773

In preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions; in medical marijuana organizations, further providing for application and issuance, for limitations on permits and providing for additional dispensary and grower/processor permits authorized, for application and issuance of additional permits and for limitations on other additional permits or licenses; and, in academic clinical research centers and clinical registrants, further providing for definitions.

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 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.

OK HB2272

Medical marijuana; disclosure of financial interest; requiring attestation; monitoring and disciplinary actions; certain inspections within certain time; grace periods; termination of license for failure to provide proof of business operations; effective date; emergency.

MD HB1235

Queen Anne's County - Licensed Cannabis Dispensary and Processor Locations - Distance Requirements

OH HB341

Revise the adult use marijuana law

WV HB5511

Relating generally to medical cannabis

WV HB4743

Relating to security and surveillance requirements of medical cannabis organization facilities