Pennsylvania speeds up the medical marijuana implementation

While the Medical Marijuana Act 16 came into effect on May 17, 2016, will patients have to wait until 2018 to receive their quota of cannabis medications? We hope not and indications suggest that action will be expedited so that patients do not have to suffer any longer. Governor Tom Wolf assures that the wait will not be so tediously long. What about patients with epilepsy, for instance, who have already suffered enough? Otherwise, the strategy has been for patients to travel to the other states, 25 of them, where medical marijuana is already being practiced. That trip may not be feasible for many patients in tight situations, family wise or monetarily.

While Department of Health is busy with the cumbersome task of preparing medical marijuana-related regulations, Secretary of Health Karen Murphy is talking about research while the urgent problem of reaching treatments to sufferers waits. The Department mentions the early months of 2018 as the probable date for marijuana to be distributed via 150 dispensaries. The Governor assured that minors would be receiving marijuana treatment, according to the bill provisions. He has instructed district attorneys to avoid prosecution of medical cannabis cases. Prosecutors agree with the suggestion.

Government procedures are often complicated and time-consuming that they need to be in view because of their grave importance in public life. It will take as long as November 17 for the Department of Health to finalize the temporary regulations governing medical marijuana. Temporary rules will appear in the summer, itself, and legal protection would be extended to patients.

Physicians who dispense medical marijuana first need to attend a four-hour course of the Department of Health. After registration, the physician would write their recommendations for treatment. The patient can then registers with the department receive a certificate and approach legal dispensaries.

While the Health Department will license 25 growers, 50 dispensaries with 3 locations each will be allowed. Guidelines exist for patients and doctors besides caregivers, for information.

Marijuana decriminalization

The HB 2706 bill introduced on May 17 effectively decriminalizes marijuana possession. While present laws attract 30 days jail and a fine up to $500 for possessing an ounce of marijuana, the bill reduces the fine to a maximum of $100. Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter in October 2014 decriminalized marijuana through ordnance as a result of which an ounce of marijuana possession may be fined $25 in that state. Blacks are five times more likely in Pennsylvania to be arrested for marijuana possession even though whites also use the stuff at a similar rate.