Medical Marijuana Growers In PA Could Sell Directly To Patients Under Bill Heading To House

Pennsylvania House Health Committee passed a bill Tuesday to update the state’s medical marijuana permitting program. The committee approved Senate Bill 773 in a 20-5 vote, sending it to the full House for consideration.

The bill would allow all licensed medical marijuana growers and processors in the state to directly sell their products to patients. Currently, only a limited number of license holders can act as dispensaries, leading to market concentration.

The news comes several weeks after the Pennsylvania Senate approved it.

See Also: Pennsylvania Bill To Allow Medical Marijuana For Every Illness At Doctor's Discretion

PA state Rep and chair of the House Health Committee, Kathy L. Rapp (R), voted in favor of the bill, but also expressed concerns.

“Despite my ‘yes’ vote in committee, I have some serious concerns with this bill,” Rapp stated.  “First, this bill is touted as a ‘small business’ bill, and while it certainly will help independent grower/processors who are struggling to sell their product to dispensaries, this bill does not create an open market. Second, why are we not requiring these entities to locate dispensaries where there are currently none? If these new dispensaries open in concentrated markets like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, what exactly are we accomplishing? Finally, under this bill, there will be only a one- or two-year restriction on change of control transactions. Big conglomerates will attempt to get control of these permits. I feel this bill needs to be debated on the House floor extensively before it will be ready to become law.”

Before approving the bill, committee members adopted an amendment that reduces the number of permits that could be issued, and adds new limitations on the ability of businesses to sell their permits, writes Marijuana Moment.

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See Also: Pennsylvania To Give $50 A Month For Medical Marijuana Costs To Low-Income Seniors

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