Pennsylvania 2023-2024 Regular Session

Pennsylvania House Bill HB1881

Introduced
12/5/23  

Caption

In preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions; in medical marijuana organizations, providing for additional dispensary permits authorized; and, in administration, providing for available licenses.

Impact

If enacted, HB 1881 would alter the licensing process for medical marijuana dispensaries in Pennsylvania by mandating additional permits be issued to small, disadvantaged, and diverse businesses. This change is anticipated to lower barriers for entry into the market for these businesses, promoting equity in the industry. It emphasizes creating a framework that supports minority and economically disadvantaged entrepreneurs, potentially leading to increased business participation and fostering economic growth among underrepresented groups. However, it is essential to consider how this could impact existing dispensaries and the overall market saturation.

Summary

House Bill 1881 seeks to amend the existing Medical Marijuana Act in Pennsylvania, focusing on enhancing opportunities for disadvantaged and diverse businesses within the medical marijuana industry. The bill proposes the issuance of additional dispensary permits specifically to applicants categorized as small businesses, disadvantaged businesses, or diverse businesses. This measure aims to diversify the ownership of medical marijuana dispensaries and foster a more inclusive economic environment in the sector. The legislature hopes to address issues of representation and equity within the rapidly growing medical marijuana marketplace, which has often been dominated by larger corporations.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 1881 appears to be largely positive among proponents who advocate for increased access and equity within the medical marijuana industry. Supporters emphasize the need for more inclusive business opportunities in a field that has historically excluded smaller operators and minority-owned businesses. However, there are concerns regarding the readiness of the existing infrastructure to accommodate these changes and how it might influence competition within the market. Overall, the public discourse reflects a desire for fairness and inclusivity but also voices caution regarding potential unintended consequences.

Contention

Debates related to HB 1881 primarily center on the balance between fostering economic opportunity for disadvantaged groups versus maintaining a stable regulatory environment for existing businesses. Critics may argue that the focus on expanding permits for smaller entities could lead to oversaturation in the market, potentially compromising the viability of current dispensaries. Additionally, there may be concerns about ensuring that the quality of products and services remains high as new entrants join the marketplace. Disparate views on the appropriate level of market intervention and support for small businesses could further fuel legislative contention as the bill progresses.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA HB1042

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.

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 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 SB538

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.

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 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 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 HB1942

Providing for independent local dispensaries.

PA HB549

In medical marijuana controls, further providing for grower/processors; and, in dispensaries, further providing for facility requirements.

PA HB829

In preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions;

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.