Differing Opinions on Benefits,
Downfalls of Medical Marijuana
The state House Health and Human Services Committee held a hearing Wednesday on making medical marijuana legal in Pennsylvania.
Representative Mark Cohen of Philadelphia is the sponsor of the bill, and estimates that medical marijuana could bring in $25 million a year in tax revenues.
Cohen says it's time that Pennsylvania provides relief for people who suffer from chronic pain that can be relieved by medical marijuana according to some studies.
State Representative Matt Baker of Tioga County has some concerns about the issue, including the benefits of using the drug.
"Despite anecdotal claims, smoked marijuana has not been found to be safe or effective treating any medical condition, primarily because its alleged therapeutic utility has yet to be sufficiently demonstrated in well-controlled clinical trials," Baker said.
In a letter to the committee, Attorney General Tom Corbett said he opposes the bill, saying that even the limited legalization of marijuana could compound the dangers that drugs present to society.
A spokesman for Senate Majority Leader Dominic Pileggi said that chamber's GOP members have no plans to consider a medical marijuana bill even if it does pass the House.
Representative Mark Cohen of Philadelphia is the sponsor of the bill, and estimates that medical marijuana could bring in $25 million a year in tax revenues.
Cohen says it's time that Pennsylvania provides relief for people who suffer from chronic pain that can be relieved by medical marijuana according to some studies.
State Representative Matt Baker of Tioga County has some concerns about the issue, including the benefits of using the drug.
"Despite anecdotal claims, smoked marijuana has not been found to be safe or effective treating any medical condition, primarily because its alleged therapeutic utility has yet to be sufficiently demonstrated in well-controlled clinical trials," Baker said.
In a letter to the committee, Attorney General Tom Corbett said he opposes the bill, saying that even the limited legalization of marijuana could compound the dangers that drugs present to society.
A spokesman for Senate Majority Leader Dominic Pileggi said that chamber's GOP members have no plans to consider a medical marijuana bill even if it does pass the House.
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