PA opens medical marijuana debate

PA Rep. Cohen at HB 1393 press conference; John Wilson looks on

Pennsylvania opened the debate on their medical marijuana bill,  HB 1393, on December 2 in Harrisburg. The PA House Health and Human Services Committee heard over 3 hours of public testimony, much of it supporting the concept of a state authorized medical marijuana program.

John Wilson, the New Jersey MS patient facing trial on 12/14, sat with Chris Goldstein during testimony before the committee.

John’s case was featured in a recent Wall St Journal article.  NORML-NJ and CMMNJ are supporting him in a courthouse rally on December 14th. Two NJ State Senators are requesting an Executive Pardon for John.

NORML-New Jersey’s Executive Director Chris Goldstein also serves as media coordinator for PhillyNORML and sits on the Board of Directors at Pennsylvanians for Medical Marijuana (PA4MMJ).

Goldstein said after the hearings, “Our neighboring states are partners and share many resources. It is certainly a positive step forward  for the entire region;  New Jersey is on the verge of a final vote for our medical marijuana bill and the topic is now being actively explored in PA. In the future, seriously ill residents of this area who wish to utilize cannabis therapy will no longer have to flee to more compassionate states. Those with qualifying conditions will be able to access this proven treatment right here at home.”