Pa. bill to legalize medicinal pot to get hearing

Pa. bill to legalize medicinal pot to get hearing

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Pennsylvania is about to join the national debate over legalizing marijuana.

A bill to allow the use of marijuana for medicinal purposes will be the subject of a hearing today before the state Senate Law and Justice Committee.

The legislation would permit people with medical needs and a doctor’s approval to obtain an identification card that would enable them to buy pot legally. It also would set up a state Medical Cannabis Board and an enforcement arm within the state police.

Gov. Tom Corbett remains opposed the measure, even if it’s amended to allow only non-intoxicating marijuana.

Sen. Daylin Leach, a Democrat from Montgomery County and a leading sponsor, says the bill would help sick children who are barred by law from taking a medicine that will make them better.