Medical Marijuana Hearings Scheduled in PA
Philadelphia- Pennsylvanians for Medical Marijuana (PA4MMJ) is pleased to announce that the PA House of Representatives Health and Human Services Committee will have hearings on HB 1393, The Compassionate Use Medical Marijuana Act.
PA4MMJ and Rep. Mark Cohen at the candlight vigil for medical marijuana in front of Philadelphia's Independence Hall
On April 29, 2009 Rep. Mark B. Cohen, the Chair of the House Democratic Caucus, introduced the bill to legalize medical marijuana with Chris Goldstein of PA4MMJ. HB1393, is solid legislation that would allow registered patients to grow six plants or purchase cannabis through Compassion Centers. A provision in the bill allows these medical cannabis sales to be taxed.
Representative Cohen has taken on the issue with courage, drive and a real understanding of patients needs. At a press conference at the bill’s introduction Cohen said, “It’s time to create a new, honest image for marijuana. One as a form of treatment that when prescribed by responsible doctors could help thousands of patients across this commonwealth.”
Three newspaper Editorial Boards endorsed the bill immediately after it was introduced: The Philadelphia Inquirer, The Pocono Record and the Daily Review of Towanda.
The topic of medical marijuana has been well covered this year by local media. Rep. Cohen and spokespeople from PA4MMJ have appeared in television programs on the radio and in newspaper articles covering the issue.
The December 2nd hearings will feature PA patients who have the tremendous courage to tell their legislators about their personal experiences finding benefits from cannabis therapy. Medical professionals and other experts have contacted PA4MMJ and expressed their commitment to testifying at every stage of the legislation.
Volunteer advocates Derek Rosenzweig, Ed Pane and Chris Goldstein have been interacting with legislators including Representative Frank Oliver who chairs the twenty-six-member HHS committee. Overall reaction to the bill by elected officials has been positive and filled with curiosity.
PA4MMJ hosts a website that includes a detailed look at the legislation, medical marijuana information and action points for volunteers. The group is actively seeking those patients and professionals who wish to testify.
PA4MMJ hosted a series of medical marijuana information seminars over the summer and held a candlelight vigil was held in front of Independence Hall on July 11th. Awareness and fundraising events are planned throughout the winter. Please visit www.pa4mmj.org to get involved today!
All legislative hearings are open to the public. The outpouring of interest makes me fear the room will not be able to hold everyone who wishes to attend. There will be a television set showing the hearing in a nearby room where the overflow crowd can watch. Maybe people can take turns watching from within the room.
Is this hearing open to the public? I would really like to go hear the testimonies and be present at the first marijuana hearing in my state.