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MEDICAL MARIJUANA BILL ENCOURAGES RESEARCH

HARRISBURG - Both patients and academic researchers would have access to marijuana for medical purposes under milestone legislation to place Pennsylvania among the ranks of states with legal cannabis programs.

The measure approved by House lawmakers Wednesday envisions a research role for hospitals, universities and academic medical centers into the use of marijuana to treat diseases.

The Commonwealth Medical College in Scranton sees a potential avenue for getting involved with medical marijuana research in the future.

"Some of the proposed uses of medical marijuana may be relevant to TCMC's Behavioral Health Initiative and cancer care in NEPA," said Steven J.  Scheinman, M.D., president and dean of the college.  "We may develop an interest in research on this topic but have no specific plans at present."

The behavioral health initiative is designed to address treatment needs in Northeastern Pennsylvania for mental health, substance abuse and suicide prevention.

The bill would enable hospitals and universities to team up on research studies, said Rep.  Ron Marsico, R-105, Harrisburg, who introduced the main amendment reflecting the work of a House task force.  It would establish a statewide network of 25 growers and processors and 50 dispensary firms where patients can obtain medical marijuana overseen by the state Department of Health.

A new 5 percent state tax on the sale of medical marijuana by growers and processors to dispensaries would generate revenue to help support those research programs and help patients who can't afford to purchase medical marijuana, Marsico said.  Both the tax revenue and fee revenue from registering growers, processors and dispensaries would go to the Medical Marijuana Program Fund under the bill.  One-third of the fund revenue would go to support research.  Tax revenue estimates aren't available.

"We support providing greater resources for research to develop ways to enhance the safety and effectiveness of medical marijuana," said Jeff Sheridan, spokesman for Gov.  Tom Wolf.

The measure headed to the Senate for possible action next week would allow medical marijuana for patients certified by a medical professional as having a qualifying condition, including cancer, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, AIDS, glaucoma, chronic or intractable pain as well as several other diseases.  Patients could take the drug as pills, oils and liquids but not smoke it.

The Senate passed a medical marijuana bill by an overwhelming vote last year.