PITTSBURGH POST-GAZETTE Editorial: Proponents of legalizing medical marijuana made a strong case during an emotional hearing in Harrisburg on Tuesday, joining a chorus of voices from across the country who believe that laws against it ignore valid studies and the needs of chronically ill people.
The focus of the hearing was Senate Bill 1182, a bipartisan measure that would allow patients with debilitating conditions to purchase medical marijuana from licensed centers as long as they have a recommendation from their physician. Americans in 20 states and the District of Columbia already can do that; it’s time for ailing Pennsylvanians to have the same opportunity.
The quest in this state may be a pipe dream for now. Gov. Tom Corbett has promised to veto the bill or any similar measure while marijuana remains illegal under federal law. There is also opposition in both chambers of the Legislature. Nonetheless, state lawmakers should work to advance this bill and others like it that follow until the proposal becomes law… (more)
