Pennsylvania approved the Medical Marijuana Act in April in 2016. However, improvements are needed to make bills better as time goes on. That’s what the Pennsylvania House of Representatives is doing now through HB 1024. The goal of this bill is to amend the original Medical Marijuana Act to make it better by further providing definitions to various aspects of the Act.
HB 1024
The title of the bill is long winded. But it aims to establish the overall goal. HB 1024 looks to offer further definitions on caregivers, providers, and organizations. It also furthers the confidentiality and public disclosure for the lawful and legal use of medical cannabis. There’s a duration for both practitioners and caregivers on how they can prescribe and provide for their clients.
More information becomes defined on medical cannabis permits. Plus, additional information is available should a business need to move to another building or area. There is a section on electronic tracking of medical cannabis. This ensures product does not become lost or tampered with. Storage and transportation information is also updated along with dispensing. Finally, it offers more information on applications and who qualifies for medical cannabis in Pennsylvania.
But Representative Jake Wheatly (D), a cosponsor of HB 1024, wanted to make sure that people with convictions could get a second chance. And that second chance comes in the form of employment.
Amendment
The added amendment to HB 1024 would offer employment opportunities for those with previous misdemeanor convictions. As it stands now, employees of medical cannabis companies at any level must have a clean record. This severely limits employment opportunities for a large number of people with a criminal record. Representative Jake Wheatly looked to change this and offered his amendment.
“THE FOLLOWING INDIVIDUALS MAY NOT HOLD VOLUNTEER POSITIONS OR POSITIONS WITH REMUNERATION IN OR BE AFFILIATED WITH A MEDICAL MARIJUANA ORGANIZATION, INCLUDING A CLINICAL REGISTRANT UNDER CHAPTER 20, IN ANY WAY IF THE INDIVIDUAL HAS BEEN CONVICTED OF ANY FELONY CRIMINAL OFFENSE RELATED TO THE SALE OR POSSESSION OF ILLEGAL DRUGS, NARCOTICS OR CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES:
SUBSECTION TO READ:
(1) FINANCIAL BACKERS.
(2) PRINCIPALS.
(3) EMPLOYEES.”
At first this may seem bad. But the added change comes in the form of the word “Felony”. Possession of illegal drugs, such as recreational cannabis, is only classified as a misdemeanor, which is a lower ranking penalty than a felony.
Those who have misdemeanors will be able to apply and work in the medical cannabis industry, which is growing in Pennsylvania, and across the states, every day. However, anyone with a felony conviction remains prohibited from working in this growing industry.
Next Steps
HB 1024 passed the Pennsylvania House Health Committee and moved to the floor, where Representative Wheatly’s amendment became added. However, the bill then went to the House Appropriations Committee for further debate before heading back to the House floor.
If this bill becomes approved by the House of Representatives, it then moves to the Senate for debate. If the Senate committee(s) and the full chamber approve of the bill, then it heads to the governor’s desk. At that time, Governor Tom Wolf (D) will have the chance to approve or veto the bill. Should he veto it, the state’s Congress will need a total of ⅔ votes from both chambers to overturn the veto and make the bill a law.
There are no updates from Congress on when HB 1024 will make it to the Pennsylvania House floor anytime soon. As more information becomes available, we will update you with the latest.
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