Pennsylvania 2023-2024 Regular Session

Pennsylvania House Bill HB1942

Introduced
1/3/24  

Caption

Providing for independent local dispensaries.

Impact

This legislation is expected to impact state laws related to the Medical Marijuana Act by introducing provisions that favor local businesses and those owned by diverse or disadvantaged individuals. By mandating that permits be prioritized for these local establishments, the bill seeks to foster economic opportunities within specific communities, ultimately improving local economies and providing better access to medical marijuana for patients. This aligns with broader state goals of health equity and improving access to necessary medical resources.

Summary

House Bill 1942, known as the Independent Local Dispensaries Act, is designed to enhance access to medical marijuana by allowing the establishment of independent local dispensaries in underserved areas of Pennsylvania. The bill stipulates that the Department of Health will issue two additional dispensary permits for each medical marijuana region specifically to applicants who qualify as Pennsylvania-based small businesses or as diverse/disadvantaged businesses. This move aims to create more localized access points for patients requiring medical marijuana, ensuring that the needs of specific communities are met through tailored services.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 1942 appears to be largely positive among supporters, particularly small business advocates and community leaders who see the bill as a pathway to enhancing local economic development and healthcare accessibility. However, there may be concerns about regulatory complexities or the potential for an influx of new businesses that may not adequately address existing community needs. Overall, proponents view this bill as a progressive step towards not only improving access to medication but also empowering local entrepreneurship.

Contention

Despite the general support for the bill, there are notable points of contention among various stakeholders. Critics may voice concerns about the feasibility of establishing dispensaries in underserved areas due to regulatory or financial barriers, particularly for small and diverse businesses. Additionally, there are questions regarding the criteria for what constitutes an 'underserved area,' which may lead to disputes over permit allocations. Balancing the interests of small, diverse businesses with regulatory requirements could be a significant challenge as the bill moves forward.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA HB1881

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

PA HB1735

Providing for cannabis; regulating the personal use and possession of cannabis; establishing the Cannabis Control Board; providing for powers and duties of the Cannabis Control Board; establishing the Cannabis Regulation Fund; providing for disproportionately impacted area, for regulation of cannabis business establishments, for enforcement and immunities, for laboratory testing, for advertising, marketing, packaging and labeling and for preparation, destruction and regulation of cannabis, edible and infused products; imposing a sales tax and excise tax on cannabis, edible and infused products; providing for cannabis clean slate and for miscellaneous provisions; imposing penalties; consolidating provisions relating to medical use of cannabis; transferring powers and duties of the Department of Health to the Cannabis Control Board; and making repeals.

PA SB120

Providing for cannabis; regulating the personal use and possession of cannabis; establishing the Cannabis Control Board; providing for powers and duties of the Cannabis Control Board; establishing the Cannabis Regulation Fund; providing for disproportionately impacted area, for regulation of cannabis business establishments, for enforcement and immunities, for laboratory testing, for advertising, marketing, packaging and labeling and for preparation, destruction and regulation of cannabis, edible and infused products; imposing a sales tax and excise tax on cannabis, edible and infused products; establishing the Cannabis Regulation Fund; providing for cannabis clean slate and for miscellaneous provisions; imposing penalties; consolidating provisions relating to medical use of cannabis; transferring powers and duties of the Department of Health to the Cannabis Control Board; and making repeals.

PA SB846

Providing for adult use cannabis; regulating the personal use and possession of cannabis; establishing the Cannabis Regulatory Control Board; providing for powers and duties of the Cannabis Regulatory Control Board; establishing the Cannabis Business Development Fund; providing for social and economic equity, for regulation of cannabis business establishments, for enforcement and immunities, for laboratory testing, for advertising, marketing, packaging and labeling and for preparation, destruction and regulation of cannabis and cannabis-infused edible and nonedible products; imposing a sales tax and excise tax on cannabis and cannabis-infused edible and nonedible products; establishing the Cannabis Regulation Fund; providing for cannabis clean slate and for miscellaneous provisions; imposing penalties; consolidating provisions relating to medical marijuana; transferring certain powers and duties of the Department of Health to the Cannabis Regulatory Control Board; in driving after imbibing alcohol or utilizing drugs, further providing for driving under influence of alcohol or controlled substance and for authorized use not a defense; and making repeals.

PA HB2210

Providing for adult use cannabis; regulating the personal use and possession of cannabis; establishing the Cannabis Regulatory Control Board; providing for powers and duties of the Cannabis Regulatory Control Board; establishing the Cannabis Business Development Fund; providing for social and economic equity, for regulation of cannabis business establishments, for enforcement and immunities, for laboratory testing, for advertising, marketing, packaging and labeling and for preparation, destruction and regulation of cannabis and cannabis-infused edible and nonedible products; imposing a sales tax and excise tax on cannabis and cannabis-infused edible and nonedible products; establishing the Cannabis Regulation Fund; providing for cannabis clean slate and for miscellaneous provisions; imposing penalties; consolidating provisions relating to medical marijuana; transferring certain powers and duties of the Department of Health to the Cannabis Regulatory Control Board; in driving after imbibing alcohol or utilizing drugs, further providing for driving under influence of alcohol or controlled substance and for authorized use not a defense; and making repeals.

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 HB2500

Providing for adult use of cannabis; regulating the personal use and possession of cannabis; providing for powers and duties of the Department of Agriculture; establishing the Cannabis Business Development Fund; providing for social and economic equity, for regulation of cannabis business establishments, for enforcement and immunities, for laboratory testing, for advertising, marketing, packaging and labeling and for preparation, destruction and regulation of cannabis and cannabis-infused edible and nonedible products; imposing a sales tax and excise tax on cannabis and cannabis-infused edible and nonedible products; establishing the Cannabis Regulation Fund; providing for cannabis clean slate and for miscellaneous provisions; imposing penalties; consolidating provisions relating to medical cannabis; transferring certain powers and duties of the Department of Health to the Department of Agriculture; and making repeals.

PA SB1105

Medical marijuana dispensaries; location

PA HB915

In patients, further providing for identification cards; and, in dispensaries, further providing for dispensing to patients and caregivers.

PA HB549

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

Similar Bills

AZ SB1105

Medical marijuana dispensaries; location

AZ SB1402

Marijuana establishments; licensing

AZ SB1195

Licensing; marijuana establishments

AZ HB2050

Licensing; marijuana establishments

MT SB538

Generally revise marijuana laws

HI HB2264

Relating To The Counties.

MT HB636

Generally revise marijuana laws

AZ SB1716

Medical marijuana; invalidity; exception