Six Ways The New Medical Marijuana Expansion Bill Will Impact Pennsylvania Patients
During the start of the pandemic, a handful of temporary policies were put in place to help medical marijuana patients in Pennsylvania. These guidelines made it easier and safer for patients to get the medications they need to go about their daily lives while being better protected against COVID-19. Due to the success of these policies for the state's 340,000 medical marijuana patients, Governor Tom Wolf has decided to sign them into law.
Let’s take a look into the six ways the new medical marijuana expansion bill (House Bill 1024) will impact the state’s medical marijuana patients.
Telemedicine Exams
Enacted when businesses and medical offices closed or limited patient visits due to COVID-19, telemedicine became an easy way for Pennsylvania residents to be assessed for qualifying medical conditions. Making this convenient method of obtaining a medical marijuana card permanent will allow more patients to get evaluations and help those who cannot take time off work, leave the house or would like to be seen in a more private setting schedule a visit with a provider of their choice, easily.
Expanding Eligibility
Through this bill, the Medical Marijuana Advisory Board is empowered to consider adding new conditions to the list of eligibility requirements. In fact, this new law already adds cancer remission therapy and neuropathies of the central nervous system to the growing list of eligible conditions.
Curbside Delivery
During COVID-19 lockdowns, curbside delivery of medical marijuana was made temporarily legal to help keep patients and staff safe. Now, thanks to House Bill 1024, this convenient method of medication pickup has become permanent.
90-Day Supplies
Previously, the Pennsylvania medical marijuana bill only allowed for a 30-day supply, which meant, more doctor visits, more dispensary trips and potentially more money. However, with the new House Bill 1024 in place, medical marijuana patients can now legally possess up to 90-days worth of medication. This will make it more convenient for everyone, especially those who have a difficult time traveling to a dispensary every month, to get their medicinal cannabis.
Protecting Patient Safety
In an effort to ensure the safety and health of medical marijuana patients, the bill is requiring a list of pesticides used by growers and producers to be made public in August 2021 and updated yearly. Additionally, supporters of this law indicate that House Bill 1024 will make it easier for producers to remove contaminants such as yeast and mold from smokable cannabis.
Caregiver Caps
In the original bill that was put in place five years ago, caregivers were only allowed to serve one patient. However, thanks to House Bill 1024, this cap has been removed and caregivers are now allowed to pick up medications for more than one medical marijuana patient, which can help provide access to more patients.
The medical marijuana expansion bill is a huge step in the right direction for the Pennsylvania medical marijuana industry as a whole and Maitri is excited to be able to serve more patients. We are proud to offer resources at our dispensaries that help assist with any questions, including pharmacists on staff during all operating hours. We can also provide information on the approved conditions, connect you with doctors that provide telehealth certification options and suggestions on types of medicine that may work best for each patient's condition.
As Governor Wolf said, “This legislation provides important updates to our state’s medical marijuana program to ensure that patients have improved access to medication.”