August 19, 2016
The Pennsylvania Department of Health unveiled a draft of regulations for growers and processors who want to participate in the state's medical marijuana program.
State Health Secretary Dr. Karen Murphy announced at a press conference on Thursday that the department is seeking input from growers, processors, patients and caregivers on the rules.
“Providing the public, our partners, and stakeholders with the opportunity to review the draft temporary regulations and provide feedback before they are published helps us ensure we are being transparent throughout the process," Murphy said. "I encourage all interested individuals to visit our website and provide feedback to help us create a high quality, efficient, and compliant medical marijuana program for Pennsylvania residents with serious medical conditions.”
In April, Governor Tom Wolf signed a bill into the law allowing patients suffering from qualifying conditions access to marijuana in the state.
The proposed guidelines define how state officials will oversee the initial 25 growers and 50 dispensaries that will operate when the program is fully operational in 2018.
Potential growers and processors must first meet certain requirements to obtain a permit.
Once approved, facilities must adhere to rules on how marijuana is packaged, labeled, transported, disposed and recalled to remain licensed.
State employees and officials are prohibited from holding a financial interest in a medical marijuana organization.
Health officials also announced that the department has approved 53 Safe Harbor Letters that enables the possession of medical marijuana by parents and caregivers of minors under 18 with qualifying medical conditions.
For those wishing to offer input on the proposed regulations, feedback must be submitted by Aug. 28.
