x
Breaking News
More () »

House passes medical marijuana bill, Gov. promises to sign it into law

HARRISBURG, Pa. – The bill that would permit medical marijuana cleared the House or representatives on Wednesday, clearing the way for Gov. Tom Wolf to si...

HARRISBURG, Pa. - The bill that would permit medical marijuana cleared the House or representatives on Wednesday, clearing the way for Gov. Tom Wolf to sign it into law on Sunday.

"I will sign a bill that puts this good law into place," he told a press conference after the vote.

"Thank you for not making a decision based on fear, but making a decision based on the needs of Pennsylvania citizens," Lolly Bentch, a medical marijuana supporter from Dauphin County, said.

"This is going to improve our family and so many families in Pennsylvania and this vote today is going to make me a better parent," Christine Brann, a parent who lobbied for the bill's passage so her son could use medical cannabis, added.

The State Senate had passed the amended bill on Tuesday. Among other amendments, it added a safe haven provision, allowing parents to acquire medical marijuana in other states for their children until it is in place here.

"I have never seen advocates more passionate, more effective than the people who fought to get Senate Bill 3 into law," Sen. Daylin Leach, (D) - Montgomery County, said.

Lawmakers expect medical marijuana to be available in Pennsylvania in about 18 months, once growers are licensed and dispensaries are established. It will be available to those who suffer from one or more of a list of 17 different conditions, and not in smoking form.

The bill was not without its detractors, including Rep. Matthew Baker, (R) - Bradford County, who, once again, railed against the passage of the bill.

But supporters touted the bill's bipartisan support in getting it through both chambers of the General Assembly.

"Seizures don't have a voter registration card that says Republican," state Rep. Russ Diamond, (R) - Lebanon County, said. "PTSD does not have a voter registration card that says Democrat."

Now, there is relief from those who worked tirelessly to ensure the successful passage of Senate Bill 3.

"There's a lot of people I want to hug right now that we were fighting for and this is going to be a good thing," Sen. Mike Folmer, (R) - Lebanon County, said.

A signing ceremony will be held at the Capitol on Sunday at 1 p.m.

Before You Leave, Check This Out