The Senate Law and Justice Committee, chaired by Sen. Dan Laughlin (R-49), approved legislation sponsored by Laughlin on Tuesday focused on strengthening oversight of the Pennsylvania Medical Marijuana Program and unregulated hemp products.
“This bill is not about legalizing adult-use cannabis – it’s about cleaning up the system we already have in place, giving our commonwealth the structure and expertise to manage what’s already occurring within our borders,” Laughlin said.
Senate Bill 49 would establish the Pennsylvania Cannabis Control Board and transfer regulatory control of the Medical Marijuana Program to said board.
“The main priority of this board is to ensure accountability, consistency and public safety,” said Laughlin. “While the Department of Health has worked hard within its authority, it was never designed to manage a rapidly growing industry, resulting in a program bogged down by slow responses, inconsistent oversight and a lack of clarity – frustrating patients and legitimate businesses.”
Additionally, the legislation would create uniform safety standards for untested and potentially harmful intoxicating hemp products currently available for public purchase.
“We are seeing an explosion of unregulated hemp products being sold openly at gas stations, vape shops and convenience stores statewide,” Laughlin said. “These products are marketed with no known testing, labeling or age restrictions. This is a health risk and regulatory blind spot we can’t ignore any longer.”
This legislation stems from a hearing held earlier this year by Laughlin’s committee which shed light on the massive public safety risk posed by intoxicating hemp products in Pennsylvania – products derived from hemp legalized under the 2018 Federal Farm Bill.
“While this bill will require further discussion and revisions as it moves through the legislative process, moving it forward is a necessary step to open the door to the important conversations surrounding our Medical Marijuana Program and the ongoing concerns surrounding unregulated hemp products,” Laughlin said.
Senate Bill 49 now goes before the full Senate for consideration.
