Pennsylvania 2023-2024 Regular Session

Pennsylvania House Bill HB1083

Introduced

5/2/23

Refer

5/2/23

Caption

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.

Impact

The proposed amendments in HB 1083 are expected to significantly impact the state's medical marijuana program by strengthening oversight and control over the activities of farmer-growers and dispensaries. Enhanced electronic tracking requirements for the transportation and storage of medical marijuana aim to prevent in-transit losses and ensure accountability among growers and processors. Additionally, the tax implications for sales from farmer-growers to dispensaries have been outlined, with a preferential tax rate aimed at regulating the economic dynamics of this emerging industry in Pennsylvania.

Summary

House Bill 1083 amends various provisions of the Medical Marijuana Act in Pennsylvania. The bill specifically addresses the role of farmer-growers and the regulations surrounding the growing, storage, and transportation of medical marijuana. It introduces a strict definition of 'farmer-grower,' stipulating that these entities must hold a valid permit issued by the department, and provides comprehensive guidelines for their operational limitations and compliance requirements. The bill aims to create a robust framework that enhances the regulatory environment for medical marijuana cultivation and distribution within the state.

Sentiment

The sentiment around HB 1083 appears to be generally supportive among legislators who emphasize the importance of good governance in the medical marijuana sector. Advocates view the bill as a means to protect public health while providing a clear pathway for authorized growers and dispensaries to operate responsibly. However, concerns linger regarding the potential for overregulation that could stifle smaller farmer-growers, with some critics cautioning that strict limitations may lead to decreased participation in the program, reversing the progress made in expanding access to medical marijuana.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding HB 1083 include the level of scrutiny and regulation imposed on farmer-growers, which advocates argue is necessary to ensure safety and compliance with state laws, while opponents fear it could create barriers to entry for new growers. Additionally, the bill's allowances for zoning regulations pose questions about local control versus state oversight, potentially leading to disparities in how the medical marijuana program is implemented throughout different regions of Pennsylvania. These discussions reflect the larger debate on balancing regulation with accessibility in the burgeoning field of medical cannabis.

Latest HB1083 Activity

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Similar Bills

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.

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 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.