Pennsylvania Bill Would Create Cannabis Control Board to Regulate Hemp THC Products 

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.