Pubdate: Thu, 09 Jan 2014
Source: Philadelphia Inquirer, The (PA)
Copyright: 2014 Philadelphia Newspapers Inc
Contact:  http://www.philly.com/inquirer/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/340
Author: Jessica Parks

CORBETT STILL NOT FOR MEDICAL POT

Despite a Report Hinting the Governor Might Change His Mind, an Aide
Said He Would Not.

Gov. Corbett's office on Wednesday said he had not changed his stance
on medical marijuana, and would veto any such legislation that comes
to his desk.

The governor's press secretary, Jay Pagni, said his statement early
Wednesday to the Harrisburg Patriot- News that the governor would
"take under consideration" any move by the Food and Drug
Administration to approve cannabis for medical use was consistent with
Corbett's longstanding position on the issue.

The newspaper reported that the governor was "softening" his
stance.

The prospect was also not immediately relevant because the FDA cannot
approve drugs without clinical trials, and clinical trials are
restricted as long as marijuana remains classified as a Schedule 1
banned substance.

But even the faintest whiff of a change stirred talk in
Harrisburg.

Sen. Daylin Leach (D., Montgomery), who with Mike Folmer (R., Lebanon)
introduced a bill in November to legalize medical marijuana, arranged
a news conference to say his bill had support from colleagues on both
sides of the aisle.

Although he supports legalizing marijuana even for nonmedical
purposes, Leach lately has focused on allowing the liquid, lowgrade
form known as Charlotte's Web. The treatment may help ease seizures in
children with severe forms of epilepsy, according to anecdotal reports
from Colorado, the only state in which it is available.

Leach said there was an urgent need for that drug, and urged Corbett
to follow the lead of New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who this week issued
an executive order allowing restricted access to medical marijuana.

Pagni said Corbett would not even consider that unless the FDA
approved its safety.

"The federal government is the final arbiter with respect to the
safety and the efficacy of controlled substances," Pagni said, adding,
"The governor would be open to viewing any types of results that come
out of any type of clinical trial."  
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MAP posted-by: Jo-D