PA just legalized medical marijuana today

[Ruby the Liberal]

One more down!

Pa. House votes to legalize medical marijuana

HARRISBURG - The House of Representatives voted Wednesday to legalize medical marijuana, ending a debate that languished years and all but ensuring Pennsylvania will become the 24th state to pass such a law.

The measure will allow people suffering from cancer, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, intractable seizures and other conditions to access medical marijuana in pill, oil or ointment form at dispensaries statewide. It would not be able to be smoked.

The bill now heads to the Senate, where it has previously had support and leaders say it will pass. Gov. Wolf, a Democrat, has pledged to sign it.

Until Wednesday, the House had been the legislation's biggest roadblock. To the end, advocates on both sides pressed their case, at times in personal terms.

Read more at http://www.philly.com/philly/news/politics/20160317_Pa__House_votes_to_legalize_medical_marijuana.html#EOgX5GZehkzouikd.99

[MH1]

1. It's a step forward, but seems to me, a very small step.

Although it could be a very big step for those it helps, so I will celebrate it.

[Ruby the Liberal]

3. They apparently added whole plant flower back in

The person who sent it to me said that this is the same bill as the one the senate passed but added in a few more qualifying conditions, whole plant product (it was just oil), and a doctor registry (the death knell for implementation) -- and they think it will be a slam dunk through reconciliation. The registry bothers me as long as the feds are scheduling cannabis but no one saw the good stuff coming and they are thrilled. He's with NORML in Philly. They will probally publish their review of the final bill in a few days.

[iandhr]

5. Very small steps is how progress has always been made.

You are right to celebrate it because it will help people.

[MADem]

9. If medical is legalized, and if they embrace some degree of decriminalization,

legalization won't be too far behind.

It's a revenue source for states; past time the nation got reasonable about it.

[rhett o rick]

2. I bet Clinton and Big Pharma are furious. nm

[Ruby the Liberal]

4. PhRMA can kiss my ass

Tell Hillary that this was polling 80+% in PA for a few years now. She'll be onboard - they haven't voted yet.

[Chicago1980]

10. Just couldn't help yourself by throwing Clinton's name in there could you?

Has she expressed her outrage with that happened?

[greymouse]

14. clinton

Clinton wants marijuana in the same schedule as cocaine. Sanders wants legalization left up to the states:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/hillary-clinton-marijuana_us_564cb3b2e4b08c74b7339bb4

Before you rush to the defense of your candidate, you might spend some time finding out what her position actually is.

[litlbilly]

6. just move to washington or oregon, legal for everyone:)

[libodem]

7. Hubba Hubba Ding Ding

Needless suffering is ending! SOFA KING COOL

[Spitfire of ATJ]

8. Recreational is next.....

Unless America votes for an asshole who decides having fun is a crime.

[Chicago1980]

11. There still need to be limitations and regulations.

I don't want someone having fun while they're working on a booster rocket or before they fly the plane I'm going to be on.

[Spitfire of ATJ]

15. Thank goodness drinking is okay before those things.

[Algernon Moncrieff]

12. Great news for those with chronic pain management issues

[Go Vols]

13. When I can grow MJ

like I can grapes to make wine,I will be happy.

[liberalnarb]

16. I live in Pennsylvania. I guess the key word is "Medical". Does that mean we won't be opening any

dispensaries soon?

[Ruby the Liberal]

17. Probably a few years out after its signed?

Just heard today that all the news may be jumping the gun. Because the house modified the bill, it has to go back to the senate - and the house majority rep said they likely won't even vote on it a second time if the senate makes any changes and has to send it back.

Starting to sound like a poison pill is in there somewhere and they all wanted on the record (in an election year) for "doing something for the kids" while gambling that nothing gets done.

So, not sure where the bill stands now. My friend from NORML seemed to think this was a slam dunk, but now I'm not so sure.

[RussBLib]

18. New Orleans passes decriminalization

I guess it's time to poke more Texas "legislators" with another stick. Fucking Cro-Magnon assholes.

New Orleans Approves Marijuana Decriminalization
For many communities who are seeking reform, but cannot do much because of state laws, decriminalization can be a wonderful alternative. It allows law enforcement to issue a civil citation and a fine, rather than arrest followed by court. Well, it’s a good day to be living in New Orleans because their mayor just signed into law an ordinance to decriminalize marijuana possession.

The new law is an expansion of a 2010 law that allowed officers to issue a court summons to first-time marijuana offenders, rather than arrest. Now police officers will have the option to issue a court summons to all offenders in possession of less than 14 grams of marijuana. If the individual is convicted at trial, then they will be fined anywhere from $40-100 dollars.

For the first offense, the fine would be $40, second would be $60 and $80 for a third – any offense from that point on would be fined at $100 each time. The court hearings would not see the defendants facing jail time and alternatives to a fine – community service, for example – may be offered for those who cannot financially afford to pay the fine.

Now, if the officer feels it is necessary they do still have the option to arrest people – however, it is not likely they will spend the time to do so. If the offender is carrying more than 14 grams or it appears that there is intent to sell, then they are still going to be arrested under current state laws.

Original.