H.B. 176, recently introduced by state Rep. Jennifer Mann, is scheduled to be considered at the House Judiciary Committee meeting on Tuesday, September 21st, 2010. This bill would criminalize 5 synthetic cannabinoid compounds that are being researched for use in the treatment of cancer, AIDS, MS, pain, and other serious diseases. Research using these substances has been done at colleges throughout the Commonwealth, such as at the University of Pennsylvania. There is no scientific or moral reason why we should send cutting edge research out of the state. There is also no reason to ban something that may one day be a prescribed medication used to treat the severely ill. Preliminary evidence suggests these substances appear to be relatively harmless. Some of these substances and similar substances have been shown to kill cancer cells, reduce nausea and vomiting, and boost the immune system. There is no reason the legislature should be banning possible cancer treatments! Sign this petition to let the House Judiciary Committee know that we want to keep cutting edge medical research in Pennsylvania.

This petition will send an e-mail to the members of the PA House Appropriations Committee and urge them to not allow this unreasonable, unscientific, and heartless bill to pass their committee.

UPDATE: This bill unanimously passed the Judiciary Committee on Tuesday, September 21st. It was laid on the table, and then removed from the table and recommitted to the Appropriations Committee.