

Summary of March 15th Legislative Action on SB 3



The Pennsylvania House of Representative continued the debate on Senate Bill 3 (SB 3) today.



It was a streamlined, yet lengthy, debate as individual members offered a variety of amendments.



Of the dozens debated or withdrawn today, only five amendments were adopted, and all positively enhance the legislation that will define the shape of the medical cannabis industry in Pennsylvania. Those adopted include: One amendment from John Lawrence (R-Chester prohibiting elected officials from having financial interests in cannabis businesses. Two amendments from Jake Wheatley (D-Allegheny); The first prohibits growers, processors, or dispensaries near schools or playgrounds in cities of second class and the second prohibits them from being within 1,000 feet of schools unless in a Keystone Opportunity Zone (KOZ). Significantly, Margo Davidson (D-Delaware) added sickle cell anemia as a covered condition. This completes the amendments to the bill by the House.



Pennsylvania Medical Cannabis Society (PAMCS) is pleased with the final bill and believes the current language sets up a strong foundation for a viable industry capable of bringing relief to hundreds of thousands of Pennsylvania patients.



The House will now vote on SB 3, as amended, for final passage as soon as tomorrow, Wednesday, March 16, 2016.



The following list contains the amendments that were debated by the House of Representatives on March 15th: A06047- Matt Baker (R-Bradford) prohibits use for cancer related to AIDS.

Failed 151-40 A06050 - Matt Baker (R-Bradford) limits dispensaries to 5.

Failed 148-14 A06036 - Matt Baker (R-Bradford) removes vaporizing and edibles as means of consuming medical cannabis.

Failed 127-62 A06039 - Matt Baker (R-Bradford) removes temporary regulations prior to adopting permanent regulations.

Failed 144-45 A06055 - Matt Baker (R-Bradford) requires two doctors to make a recommendation for a patient to use medical cannabis.

Failed 129-60 A06030 - Matt Baker (R-Bradford) sets 4-year expiration of the program (sunset provision).

Failed 132-57 A06108 - Scott Petri (R-Bucks) proposes program sunsets 30 days after FDA approval of medical cannabis.

Failed 132-57 A06087 - Scott Petri (R-Bucks) requests program be postponed until prescription database is compiled.

Failed 132-58 A060510 - Matt Baker (R-Bradford) re: self-regulatory organizations.

Failed 137-53 A06052 - Matt Baker (R-Bradford) proposes employee can be removed if they are intoxicated.

Failed 116-75 A06041 - Matt Baker (R-Bradford) requests employer protections against employees being under the influence.

Failed 110-81 A06049 - Matt Baker (R-Bradford) requires testing for pesticides/mold in cannabis products.

Failed 123-68 A06056 - Matt Baker (R-Bradford) prohibits board members from having financial interest.

Failed 127-64 A06031 - Matt Baker (R-Bradford) limits Department of Health from issuing access card to individuals on probation or parole.

Failed 114-76 of FDA-approved investigational drugs regarding cannabis.useA04391 - Matt Baker (R-Bradford) allows for

Failed 142-47 A06080 - Doyle Heffley (R-Carbon) adds $10M bond requirement for negligence to processors and dispensaries.

Failed 134-54 A06078 - Brett Miller (R-Lancaster) proposes various federal government control mechanisms over state government.

Failed 139-48 A06069 - Cris Dush (R-Jefferson) proposes additional board sanctions.

Failed 141-45 A06070 - Cris Dush (R-Jefferson) proposes additional bond requirements.

Failed 150-35 A06073 - Cris Dush (R-Jefferson) requires health inspectors to inspect cannabis products.

Failed 159-28 A06020 - Becky Corbin (R-Chester) requires dispensaries to have packaging requirements.

Failed 111-77 A06063 - John Lawrence (R-Chester) prohibits elected officials to have financial interests in cannabis businesses.

Passed 136-51 A06066 - John Lawrence (R-Chester) proposes provisions for DUI and cannabis.

Failed 106-81 A06004-Ed Gainey (D-Allegheny) re: minority owned businesses.

Passed 131-56 businesses. minority ownedA06128 - Sue Helm (R-Dauphin) provides for a quota in regards to

Failed 148-38 A06126 - Jake Wheatley (D-Allegheny) gives locals a say in where dispensaries can be located.

Failed 102-83 A06121 - Jake Wheatley (D-Allegheny) proposes that in cities of second class grower/ processor/ dispensaries are not to be located near schools/playgrounds.

Passed 148-37 A06120 - Jake Wheatley (D-Allegheny) prohibits grower/processor/dispensaries from being within 1,000 feet of schools unless in a KOZ.

Passed 160-25 A06000 - Margo Davidson (D-Delaware) includes sickle cell anemia as a covered condition.

Passed 144-41