Pennsylvania 2023-2024 Regular Session

Pennsylvania Senate Bill SB773

Introduced
6/8/23  
Refer
6/8/23  
Refer
6/26/23  
Report Pass
9/18/23  
Engrossed
9/20/23  
Refer
9/21/23  
Refer
11/14/23  
Report Pass
11/15/23  
Refer
12/11/23  
Report Pass
12/12/23  
Enrolled
12/13/23  
Chaptered
12/14/23  

Caption

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.

Impact

The bill's passage may significantly affect both the operational landscape for medical marijuana within Pennsylvania and the economic opportunities for businesses involved in this sector. By enabling independent grower/processors to apply for additional dispensary permits, the law aims to promote competition and patient access to medical marijuana. However, it also establishes stringent conditions under which permits can be revoked, and it imposes application fees designed to generate revenue while ensuring that the entities comply with state regulations regarding medical marijuana operations.

Summary

Senate Bill 773 seeks to amend the existing Medical Marijuana Act in Pennsylvania by expanding the parameters for granting permits for dispensaries and grower/processors. It proposes to add definitions and mechanisms for the issuance of additional dispensary and grower/processor permits while specifying limitations regarding changes in ownership or control of these entities. The bill is structured to clarify existing regulatory frameworks and to streamline processes for both applicants and regulators, enhancing the operational capacity of the medical marijuana program in the state.

Sentiment

Overall, the sentiment surrounding SB 773 appears to be supportive among stakeholders advocating for the growth of the medical marijuana industry in Pennsylvania. Proponents argue that the amendments will create a more flexible and accessible market for patients in need, as well as incentivize responsible business practices among operators. Opponents may have concerns regarding the implications of the 'change of control' provision, which could complicate mergers and acquisitions in the industry, possibly reducing opportunities for collaboration and investment.

Contention

A notable point of contention within discussions of SB 773 is the provision related to 'change of control' transactions. Critics of the bill express concerns that these limitations may be overly restrictive and could hinder the ability of established operators to innovate or expand through strategic partnerships. Moreover, there is a broader debate regarding the balance between regulating the medical marijuana market effectively while still allowing for sufficient business growth and flexibility, which will be essential for the industry's sustainability.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Similar Bills

PA HB1942

Providing for independent local dispensaries.

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 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 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 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.

AZ SB1715

Hemp-derived manufactured impairing cannabinoids

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 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.