Pennsylvania Governor Signs Medical Cannabis Bill into Law

The people of Pennsylvania demanded medical cannabis and Governor Tom Wolf delivered. On Sunday, Pennsylvania’s Democratic Governor Tom Wolf signed Senate Bill 3 which legalizes most forms of medical cannabis. The United States has officially added its 24th medical cannabis state.

“The signing of this bill, which will improve the quality of life for patients and their families throughout Pennsylvania, shows that Harrisburg can come together to address big challenges on behalf of the people of the commonwealth,” Wolf said in a statement.

The obvious downside is no smokable forms of cannabis will be allowed. However, other life-saving forms—pill, oil, vapor, ointment or liquid form—will be tolerated. Pennsylvania’s Department of Health will issue and revoke permits, and they believe the program will take between 18 and 24 months to implement. The legislation allows up to 25 growers and processors to open up across the state. A five percent excise tax will be imposed on growers/processors and collectives. According to estimates, Pennsylvania’s medical cannabis program could rake in $10 million in tax revenue within a year. The list of 17 qualifying serious illnesses includes cancer, HIV/AIDS, Parkinson’s disease, Multiple Sclerosis, spinal cord damage, epilepsy, inflammatory bowel disease, glaucoma and PTSD.

“We did it! Medical marijuana is now legal in Pennsylvania. #MMJ,” Governor Wolf tweeted.

Hundreds of cheering families gathered around Governor Tom Wolf, usually with tales of courage and strength. Families with members with severe illnesses couldn’t be happier. “It feels like a dream. It really does,” resident and mother Amanda Delp said. “If you would have asked me four years ago if I would be advocating for medical marijuana, I would have told you it’s just people wanting to get high. It took my daughter for me to open my eyes and realize it can save people.”