March 16, 2016
The Pennsylvania House of Representatives overwhelmingly approved a state medical marijuana bill in a vote held Wednesday afternoon, marking a significant step toward the establishment of a program that would provide certification for caregivers, patients and organizations seeking registration as dispensaries.
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According to the Post-Gazette, the bill had been under debate for more than two years, and now, following more than 200 approved amendments and after being backed by Gov. Tom Wolf and the Senate, it's passed a tremendous hurdle.
The bill would create a program to make marijuana available with a prescription from a doctor to patients who have one of a list of qualifying diagnosed conditions, including cancer, epilepsy and post-traumatic stress disorder.
The vote passed the House of Representatives on Wednesday by a margin of 144 to 41.
Medical marijuana is currently legal in 23 states, as well as the District of Columbia.
