The Pennsylvania Senate Law and Justice Committee last week approved a measure to create a cannabis control board in the state that would create uniform safety standards for hemp-derived THC products in the state, which are currently unregulated. The legislation would also transfer regulatory control of the state’s medical cannabis program to the newly created board.
In a statement, state Sen. Dan Laughlin (R) said that the state has seen “an explosion of unregulated hemp products being sold openly at gas stations, vape shops and convenience stores statewide.”
“The main priority of this board is to ensure accountability, consistency and public safety. 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.” — Laughlin in a press release
Laughlin added that the proposal “is not about legalizing adult-use cannabis,” rather “cleaning up the system” already in place in the commonwealth, and giving officials “the structure and expertise to manage what’s already occurring” within Pennsylvania borders.
The bill moves next to the full Senate for consideration.
