Understanding Medical Marijuana in Pennsylvania
Marijuana has been a controversial plant for many years. However, in recent years, the medicinal benefits of marijuana have been explored, and many states have legalized it for medicinal purposes. Pennsylvania is one of the states that have legalized medical marijuana.
The Pennsylvania Medical Marijuana Act was signed into law in April 2016. The Act allows patients suffering from one of 23 serious medical conditions to access medical marijuana. However, the Act does not allow for the recreational use of marijuana.
Smoking Medical Marijuana in Pennsylvania
Although medical marijuana is legal in Pennsylvania, smoking medical marijuana is not legal. The Act prohibits the use of dry leaf medical marijuana for smoking. Patients are allowed to use medical marijuana in the following forms:
- Pill
- Oil
- Topical forms
- Tincture
- Liquid
- Vaporization
These forms of medical marijuana are allowed because they do not involve smoking.
The Reason Why Smoking Medical Marijuana is Prohibited in PA
There are several reasons why smoking medical marijuana is prohibited in Pennsylvania. One of the main reasons is the health risks associated with smoking. Smoking marijuana involves inhaling smoke, which contains harmful chemicals that can damage the lungs and other parts of the body.
In addition, smoking medical marijuana can be a fire hazard. Smoking materials can easily start a fire, and this can be dangerous for both patients and their caregivers.
The Benefits of Medical Marijuana
Although smoking medical marijuana is not allowed in Pennsylvania, patients can still benefit from its medicinal properties through other forms of consumption. Medical marijuana has been found to help patients suffering from a variety of conditions, including:
- Chronic pain
- Glaucoma
- Cancer
- Epilepsy
- Multiple sclerosis
- Crohn’s disease
- PTSD
- Anxiety
Medical marijuana can help alleviate the symptoms of these conditions, making them more manageable for patients.
How Medical Marijuana is Allowed in PA
To access medical marijuana in Pennsylvania, patients must first be certified by a doctor. The doctor must determine that the patient has one of the 23 serious medical conditions listed in the Act. Once certified, patients can register with the Pennsylvania Department of Health’s Medical Marijuana Program.
Patients must then visit a dispensary to purchase their medical marijuana. Pennsylvania has over 100 dispensaries where patients can purchase medical marijuana.
Conclusion
While smoking medical marijuana may not be legal in Pennsylvania, patients can still access medical marijuana through other forms of consumption. The medicinal properties of marijuana can help alleviate the symptoms of many serious medical conditions, making them more manageable for patients. It is important to understand the rules and regulations surrounding medical marijuana in Pennsylvania to ensure that patients can access it legally and safely.
