{"id":30420,"date":"2017-12-17T13:45:00","date_gmt":"2017-12-17T18:45:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/hhoupgrade.wpengine.com\/?p=30420"},"modified":"2025-01-29T21:06:04","modified_gmt":"2025-01-30T02:06:04","slug":"pennsylvania-medical-marijuana","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/healthyhempoil.com\/pennsylvania-medical-marijuana\/","title":{"rendered":"Pennsylvania Medical Marijuana (Legal Cannabis) Learn How"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In April 2016, Pennsylvania became the 24th state to legalize medical cannabis. Governor Tom Wolf said that the primary goal was to \u201cprovide long overdue medical relief to patients and families who could benefit from this treatment.\u201d (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Cannabis_in_Pennsylvania\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">) The program is expected to take 18-24 months to implement, and the Department of Health is still in the process of setting up all of the moving parts. In this article, we\u2019ll discuss those moving parts, recent updates, and point you in the right direction for more information.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>Brief History of Hemp in Pennsylvania<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pennsylvania has a rich history of producing hemp \u2013 it\u2019s believed that William Penn planned to grow hemp in the region when he founded Pennsylvania in 1681. In Lancaster county, the Hempfield township was considered the capital of hemp. It\u2019s said that production continued until the Reefer Madness film propaganda of the 1930s hit and marijuana became illegal. With no way to discern industrial hemp from marijuana, many farmers who continued to grow hemp were arrested. (<\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/www.pahic.org\/ten-things-you-never-knew-about-pa-hemp-history\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">)<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Why Lawmakers Decided to Legalize Medical Cannabis<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some doctors and advocates of medical marijuana see it as a viable alternative to opioid painkillers to treat chronic pain, as opioid abuse and drug overdoses are a problem in Pennsylvania. The Philadelphia Veterans Affairs Medical Center cited that \u201cstates with medical marijuana laws have a 24.8% lower average annual, opioid death rate.\u201d (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=A_yWZghD1us\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">3<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">)<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>Medical Marijuana Program for Patients<\/h2>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Allowed Medical Conditions<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">According to the Pennsylvania Department of Health\u2019s website, there are currently 17 conditions under which a patient can qualify to obtain a medical marijuana prescription (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pa.gov\/guides\/pennsylvania-medical-marijuana-program\/#FrequentlyAskedQuestions\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">4<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">):<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Autism<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cancer<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Crohn\u2019s disease<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Damage to the nervous tissue of the spinal cord with objective neurological indication of intractable spasticity<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Epilepsy<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Glaucoma<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) and AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome)<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Huntington\u2019s disease<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Inflammatory bowel disease<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Intractable seizures<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Multiple sclerosis<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Neuropathies<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Parkinson\u2019s disease<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Post-traumatic stress disorder<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Severe chronic or intractable pain of neuropathic origin or severe chronic or intractable pain in which conventional therapeutic intervention and opiate therapy is contraindicated or ineffective<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sickle cell anemia<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Steps for Patients to Obtain Medical Marijuana<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are four steps required for patients to obtain medical marijuana (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pa.gov\/guides\/pennsylvania-medical-marijuana-program\/#PatientsandCaregivers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">5<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">,<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pa.gov\/guides\/pennsylvania-medical-marijuana-program\/#FrequentlyAskedQuestions\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">6<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">):<\/span><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fill out a patient profile on the Patients and Caregivers Registry on<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pa.gov\/guides\/pennsylvania-medical-marijuana-program\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">https:\/\/www.pa.gov\/guides\/pennsylvania-medical-marijuana-program\/<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (currently the registry isn\u2019t live &#8211; the overall process is expected to take 18-24 months, so most likely early 2018.)<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Obtain a doctor\u2019s certification that verifies that you suffer from one of the 17 aforementioned conditions.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Return to your patient profile on the website in step one, and pay for a medical marijuana ID card, which is $50.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Visit one of 150 planned approved dispensaries to get medical marijuana.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How to Obtain Medical Marijuana for a Minor<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The steps are similar as the ones above, with the exception that you would apply to the registry as a caregiver. There is also an additional step, filling out the Safe Harbor application, which requires the following documentation:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Completed electronic copy of the Pennsylvania background check<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Completed electronic copy of the Pennsylvania Safe Harbor physician letter<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If legal guardian \u2013 an electronic copy of the guardianship papers<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If caregiver \u2013 an electronic copy of caregiver status<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If spouse \u2013 an electronic copy of marriage certificate<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Legal Limits and Forms<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In Pennsylvania, the legal limit for medical marijuana is up to a 30-day supply. There are six legal forms medical marijuana can be in:<\/span><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pills<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Oils<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Topical forms, including gels, creams, or ointments<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Vaporization or nebulization (excluding dry leaf or plant form)<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tinctures<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Liquids (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.marijuanadoctors.com\/medical-marijuana\/pa\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">8<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">)<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Though the Department of Health\u2019s website clearly states, \u201cexcluding dry leaf or plant form,\u201d there may be a loophole in the actual law that will allow the plant form to be dispensed when the dispensaries open in 2018. If the state\u2019s medical marijuana advisory board recommends it, it would then be up to the Secretary of the Department of Health to ultimately approve it. (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/billypenn.com\/2017\/04\/27\/loophole-in-pas-medical-marijuana-laws-could-let-dispensaries-sell-the-plant\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">22<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">)<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Health Insurance<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Private health insurers or government medical assistance programs aren\u2019t required to reimburse for the expense of using medical marijuana nor the costs of accommodating usage in the workplace. (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mpp.org\/states\/pennsylvania\/summary-sb-3\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">9<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">)<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>Medical Marijuana Program for Growers\/Processors<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The process to apply and become a grower\/processor of medical marijuana is pricey and long. A non-refundable, initial application fee of $10,000 is required, as well as an initial permit fee of $200,000 (which is refunded if the permit isn\u2019t issued). Also, there\u2019s an additional 5% tax on the sale of medical marijuana to a dispensary. With the government overseeing just about every aspect of the business, including background information on all people involved and the plan of operation, it\u2019s a complicated undertaking. (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pa.gov\/guides\/pennsylvania-medical-marijuana-program\/#GrowersandProcessors\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">10<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">)<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How to Apply<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For Phase I, the first leg of setting up growers\/processors is no longer accepting applications. Growers and processors are encouraged to wait for Phase II, in which additional growers\/processors will be set up. That said, the application itself is a 33-page, Word document with fields to fill in and a scoring template that shows the points of each part. The parts include: Application Identification and Facility Information, Diversity Plan, Applicant Background Information, Plan of Operation, and Applicant Organization, Ownership, Capital and Tax Status. (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pa.gov\/guides\/pennsylvania-medical-marijuana-program\/#GrowersandProcessors\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">10<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">)<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Requirement Checklist<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The operational checklist is even more elaborate than the application, with 54 pages of detailed requirements and the following fields to be filled out: timetable, grower\/processor completed, department notified, and department approval. (<\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/www.health.pa.gov\/My%20Health\/Diseases%20and%20Conditions\/M-P\/MedicalMarijuana\/Documents\/PA%20DOH%20Grower-Processor%20Operational%20Checklist%20(8-7-17).pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">11<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">)<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Penalties<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Failure to conform to the guidelines set forth in the operational checklist can result in any one of the following: permit suspension or revocation, a civil penalty of up to $10,000, plus an additional penalty of up to $1,000 for each day the violation persists, an order of funds restitution for anything unlawfully obtained, or a cease and desist order. (<\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/www.health.pa.gov\/My%20Health\/Diseases%20and%20Conditions\/M-P\/MedicalMarijuana\/Documents\/PA%20DOH%20Grower-Processor%20Operational%20Checklist%20(8-7-17).pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">11<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">)<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Packaging and Labeling<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are a number of guidelines to follow when packaging marijuana, including an original seal that cannot be broken except by approved quality control. It should minimize oxygen exposure and be:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Child-resistant<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tamper-proof<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Resealable<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Light-resistant<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Labels must contain a unique identifier and be:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Easily readable<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Weather-resistant and tamper-resistant<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Conspicuously placed on the package<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Labels must include the date, name, address, permit number, and list the form, quantity and weight of the medical marijuana. The amount of individual doses and percentages of CBD and THC must also be included, as well as other information about the employee packaging it, the lot information, and warnings. (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pacode.com\/secure\/data\/028\/chapter1151\/s1151.34.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">12<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">)<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Transportation<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are a number of rules regarding transportation of medical marijuana, such as:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It can only be delivered between 7AM and 9PM.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It can\u2019t be transported outside of the state.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">GPS must be used.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Vehicles cannot have identifiable markings that indicate their purpose, and they must be temperature-controlled with a secure cargo area or lockbox.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Delivery teams must have two individuals, one of which remains with the vehicle at all times.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Delivery personnel must have access to secure communication with the grower\/processor.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The grower\/processor must be in communication with the Department, to include delivery schedules and reportable events.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Vehicles are subject to inspection and may be stopped en route. (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pacode.com\/secure\/data\/028\/chapter1151\/s1151.35.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">13<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">)<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Medical Marijuana Program for Dispensaries<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The process to apply to become a dispensary of medical marijuana is also complex. A non-refundable, initial application fee of $5,000 is required, as well as an initial permit fee of $30,000 per dispensary location, with up to 3 locations or $90,000 (which is refunded if the permit isn\u2019t issued). (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pa.gov\/guides\/pennsylvania-medical-marijuana-program\/#GrowersandProcessors\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">10<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">)<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How to Apply<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For Phase I, the first leg of setting up dispensaries is no longer accepting applications. Dispensaries are encouraged to wait for Phase II, during which additional dispensaries will be set up. That said, the application itself is a 28-page, Word document with fields to fill in and a scoring template that shows the points of each part. The six parts include: Application Identification and Dispensary Information, Diversity Plan, Applicant Background Information, Plan of Operation, and Applicant Organization, Ownership, Capital and Tax Status, and Community Impact. (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pa.gov\/guides\/pennsylvania-medical-marijuana-program\/#Dispensaries\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">14<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">)<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Operational Checklist<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The operational checklist is even more elaborate than the application, with 40 pages of detailed requirements and the following fields to be filled out: timetable, dispensary completed, department notified, and department approval. Some of the categories include: Sanitation and Safety in the Facility, Visitor Access, Staffing Transport Vehicles, and Labels and Safety Inserts. (<\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/www.health.pa.gov\/My%20Health\/Diseases%20and%20Conditions\/M-P\/MedicalMarijuana\/Documents\/PA%20DOH%20Dispensary%20Operational%20Checklist%20(8-7-17).pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">17<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">)<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Job Training<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There is a four-hour course and certification required to work in a dispensary. The cost of training ranges from $250-$300. (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hempstaff.com\/events\/cannabis-training-dispensary-jobs-in-pennsylvania\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">15<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">)<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Locations<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are currently 27 entities that were selected in Phase I, with 52 total locations across the six regions designated. All but six of the companies are based in Pennsylvania, and the entire list is available by <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thecannabist.co\/2017\/06\/29\/pennsylvania-medical-marijuana-dispensaries-locations\/82727\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">clicking here<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thecannabist.co\/2017\/06\/29\/pennsylvania-medical-marijuana-dispensaries-locations\/82727\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">16<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">)<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Penalties<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Penalties for dispensaries are similar to those for the grower\/processor: permit suspension or revocation, a civil penalty of up to $10,000, plus an additional penalty of up to $1,000 for each day the violation persists, an order of funds restitution for anything unlawfully obtained, or a cease and desist order. (<\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/www.health.pa.gov\/My%20Health\/Diseases%20and%20Conditions\/M-P\/MedicalMarijuana\/Documents\/PA%20DOH%20Dispensary%20Operational%20Checklist%20(8-7-17).pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">17<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">)<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Keystone Releaf Lawsuit<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In September 2017, a lawsuit was brought forth against the medical marijuana program after the Keystone Releaf company was denied a grower\/processor permit. Though the company sent in an incomplete application and missed the deadline, they claimed that other companies were allowed to submit after the deadline and that the selection process is \u201cflawed.\u201d They\u2019re asking for the entire program be revamped, which would cause considerable delays in getting medical marijuana to patients in need. The Health Department has 30 days to respond, but there\u2019s been no update as of yet. (<\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/www.abc27.com\/news\/lawsuit-threatens-to-delay-pennsylvanias-medical-marijuana-program_20180313092540901\/1037117844\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">18<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">)<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>Medical Marijuana Program for Doctors and Caregivers<\/h2>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How to Register<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Registration is open to physicians on the Department of Health\u2019s website. To be able to prescribe medical marijuana, a physician must first register and then do four hours of training. An animated GIF exists to guide physicians through an example registration. (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pa.gov\/guides\/pennsylvania-medical-marijuana-program\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">19<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">)<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Training Providers<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are currently four providers available for training on the Department of Health\u2019s website:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">TheAnswerPage Inc<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Extra Step Assurance LLC<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Lambert Center for the Study of Medicinal Cannabis and Hemp at Thomas Jefferson University<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">University of the Sciences<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The cost currently ranges from $299-$325. (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pa.gov\/guides\/pennsylvania-medical-marijuana-program\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">19<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">)<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Role<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The physician\u2019s role in prescribing medical marijuana is to assist the patient in finding an alternative pain control method to opioids and other pain drugs that may have harmful side effects. A physician is allowed to issue a patient certification when:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The patient has a serious medical condition<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The patient is likely to receive a \u201ctherapeutic or palliative medical benefit\u201d<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The patient\u2019s prior medical history and controlled substance history has been reviewed (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pacode.com\/secure\/data\/028\/chapter1181\/s1181.27.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">20<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">)<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>How Pennsylvania\u2019s Program Stacks Up to Other States<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The list for what a physician can issue a patient certification for is more comprehensive than many states\u2019, in comparison, providing a broader set of conditions for which a doctor can prescribe medical marijuana. However, the guidelines for prescribing it for chronic pain dictates that it\u2019s for when \u201cconventional therapeutic intervention and opiate therapy is contraindicated or ineffective.\u201d This hints that patients may still have to endure opioid treatment before getting a prescription for medical cannabis. Pennsylvania is the first state to list its use for all types of autism, but it doesn\u2019t include Hepatitis C, which nine states have. (<\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/triblive.com\/news\/healthnow\/10310986-74\/marijuana-medical-law\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">21<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">)<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>What Can Be Done Now<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Currently, the program isn\u2019t in full force yet, so most people are left waiting for it to go live. The only provision for out-of-state procurement of medical marijuana is in the case of a minor with a serious illness \u2013 a caregiver that legally obtains medical marijuana from another state doesn\u2019t violate the law. (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pa.gov\/guides\/pennsylvania-medical-marijuana-program\/#FrequentlyAskedQuestions\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">23<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In the meantime, there are other alternatives to consider, for example, CBD oil. Also derived from hemp, it contains minimal traces of THC, the psychoactive ingredient that causes a \u201chigh,\u201d so it doesn&#8217;t have the same legal concerns. People have found it can be calming and soothing, and it may even assist with chronic pain. For more information on CBD oil, check out this comprehensive <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/healthyhempoil.com\/cannabidiol\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">resource guide<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. If you\u2019re interested in purchasing it, this <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/healthyhempoil.com\/buy-cannabidiol-guide\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">guide on buying CBD oil<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> outlines its different forms and what to look for to find a reputable manufacturer.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>Conclusion<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The medical marijuana program has complex requirements for growers\/processors and dispensaries, as well as steps for patients\/caregivers to take to be able to access medical marijuana. This program is in its infancy, and as the recent lawsuit illustrates, there will likely be a few bumps along the way. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The fact that physicians can now register illustrates the progress being made in the program, bringing Pennsylvania patients one step closer to an alternative pain method for their chronic illnesses. By keeping informed about all of the steps involved in the program, as well as important updates and implementation progress, you can be sure you\u2019re staying compliant within the law.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">So what do you think? Are you in favor of the current Pennsylvania medical marijuana program, or do you think there are too many restrictions?<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>In April 2016, Pennsylvania became the 24th state to legalize medical cannabis. Governor Tom Wolf said that the primary goal was to \u201cprovide long overdue medical relief to patients and families who could benefit from this treatment.\u201d (2) The program is expected to take 18-24 months to implement, and the Department of Health is still [&#8230;]\n","protected":false},"author":60581,"featured_media":99403,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[6462],"tags":[6470],"class_list":["post-30420","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-united-states-cbd-policy","tag-pennsylvania"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/healthyhempoil.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/30420","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/healthyhempoil.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/healthyhempoil.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/healthyhempoil.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/60581"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/healthyhempoil.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=30420"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/healthyhempoil.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/30420\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/healthyhempoil.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/99403"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/healthyhempoil.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=30420"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/healthyhempoil.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=30420"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/healthyhempoil.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=30420"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}