State Senator Folmer Appears on MSNBC to Discuss Medical Marijuana

Written by Ryan Fucci, Contributing Writer

Republican State Senator Mike Folmer, from Pennsylvania’s 48th Senate District, appeared on MSNBC’s ‘Taking the Hill’ to discuss Senate Bill 1182, also known as the Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Act.

Senate Bill 1182 would allow physicians in the state to prescribe medical cannabis to patients who would medically benefit from the treatment. The bill is aimed to help a number of patients with illnesses, specifically children who suffer from seizures.

When Folmer was asked why he co-sponsored the bill, he responded, “I met with two parents. They came in and asked me if I would co-sponsor a bill by a Democratic Senator. They informed me, they gave me information, they gave me hundreds of papers – literally. I took that information, I read it, and I said ‘oh my goodness, I’ve been wrong’.”

The bill is co-sponsored by Democratic State Senator Daylin Leach, from Pennsylvania’s 17th Senate District.

While on the program, which is hosted by former PA-8 Congressman Patrick Murphy, Folmer pointed out the bill previously passed in the Senate by a vote of 43-7, with 20 Republicans joining Folmer in support.

Folmer believes the Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Act will pass in the next session, stating, “I’m very optimistic. The Governor-elect has been publicly in support, so I’m looking forward to a broader bill.”

In June 2014, a Franklin & Marshall College poll found that 84% of Pennsylvanians support medical marijuana – with 59% strongly in favor and 25% somewhat in favor.

December 29th, 2014 | Posted in Front Page Stories, Harrisburg, Top Stories | 26 Comments