The applications are filled out and submitted. The hoops are being jumped. The regulations in theory are becoming a reality.
Medicinal Marijuana is becoming a reality in Pennsylvania.
The growers and dispensaries are awaiting the results of which will be selected by the Department of Health to begin the task of bringing this valuable medicine to the citizens of Pennsylvania.
Children suffering from seizures will finally get the medicine they need. Cancer patients will finally have a natural alternative to pharmaceutical synthetic medication.
The ball is now in the State’s court. They have to stay on top of this.
For the most part, they have done a good job of identifying medical conditions that qualify under the admittedly narrow scope of the law, and it is truly a step forward for those in need of this valuable medicine.
One area where the State needs to be more proactive is certification of testing labs. At the time of this writing, there is yet to be any labs certified.
That said, there is so much more work to be done regarding full legalization.
Marijuana is the most harmless of all intoxicants, including cigarettes and alcohol. (Yes, cigarettes qualify as an intoxicant.)
Like anything that brings us pleasure– booze, weed, cupcakes– moderation is needed to maintain a healthy life balance and avoid the consequences of abuse.
Sitting on the couch all day smoking weed, watching TV and eating Doritos is not healthy, but is it somehow okay with beer instead of weed?
Is getting high and falling asleep watching Star Trek somehow worse than getting into a bar fight because you’ve had too much to drink and the Steelers lost?
The issue of abuse is no more tied to marijuana than it is to Hostess Twinkies.
It is time for we as a society step forward into the 21st Century and let go of the anti-marijuana propaganda of the past.
That is why Pittsburgh NORML is hosting a bus trip to Harrisburg April 19 to the Rally for legalization. Plus, on April 1, join Pittsburgh NORML for a LIVE Facebook broadcast at the Musicians Hotsheet Showcase at The Funhouse at Mr. Smalls.
Let’s continue to work for total legalization in Pennsylvania.