HARRISBURG, Pa. -- Pennsylvania became the 24th state to legalize medical marijuana on Sunday.
Gov. Tom Wolf signed the Medical Marijuana Act (SB 3) into law April 17, as patients, families, advocates and lawmakers gathered in the capitol rotunda in Harrisburg to celebrate the creation of the medical-marijuana program, according to a report from the Marijuana Policy Project.
“The signing of this bill, which will improve the quality of life for patients and their families throughout Pennsylvania, shows that Harrisburg can come together to address big challenges on behalf of the people of the commonwealth,” Wolf said.
With the enactment of Pennsylvania’s law, more than half of all Americans will live in a medical-marijuana state.
SB 3 takes effect May 17, 30 days after it was signed. Then the department of health has six months to craft temporary regulations.
Patients who suffer from a qualifying condition and whose doctors recommend medical cannabis will be able to register with the state to use and safely access medical cannabis preparations.
The state’s health department will regulate 25 processors/growers, along with 50 dispensaries, which may have up to three locations each. Click here for more details about the program.
Members help make our journalism possible. Become a CSP member today and unlock exclusive benefits, including unlimited access to all of our content. Sign up here.