Monday, May 11, 2015
SB 3, PN 840 (Folmer) – This bill creates the Medical Cannabis Act to provide for the legalization of medical cannabis for a variety of qualified medical conditions. The medical uses include using extracted oil, nebulizers, ointments, and tinctures. Medical use does not include smoking, vaporizing or edible products. The bill also creates the State Board of Medical Cannabis Licensing which is provided the power and responsibility to oversee medical cannabis growers, processors, and dispensers. The board will establish an electronic system to track medical cannabis from seed to sale.
Senator Bartolotta offered amendment A01532 which would allow for vaporization under certain situations. The amendment was approved by a vote of 38-9. Senator Bartolotta also offered A01234 which adds chronic or intractable pain as an allowable condition. The amendment was approved by a vote of 39-8. Senator Bartolotta proceeded to offer A01594 which allows for participation of certified nurse practitioners under the act. The amendment was approved, 40-7. Senator Folmer offered A01235 which adds Chron’s disease as an allowable condition. The amendment was approved, 40-7. Senator Folmer offered A01236 which adds diabetes as an allowable condition. The amendment was approved by a vote of 38-9 and the bill went over in its order as amended.
SB 264, PN 144 (Alloway) – Amends Title 12 (Commerce and Trade) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes to prohibit the sale of shark fins. A vote of 47-0 was recorded.
The Senate approved the following executive nominations by a vote of 47-0:
James Joseph, Adjutant General of Pennsylvania (new appointment)
Dennis Davin, Secretary of Community and Economic Development (new appointment)
Curtis Topper, Secretary of General Services (new appointment)
Leslie Richards, Secretary of Transportation (new appointment)