Hearing On Pa. Medical Marijuana Bill Does Not Signal Support
By Tony Romeo
HARRISBURG, Pa. (CBS) - A Pennsylvania Senate committee has scheduled a hearing later this month on legislation to legalize medical marijuana. But a spokesman for the Senate majority leader says that doesn't mean the bill is on the fast track for a vote.
The Senate Law and Justice Committee has scheduled a hearing for the last Tuesday of the month on a bill to allow marijuana use for medical purposes. The bill has seven co-sponsors, including one GOP Senator. But Erik Arneson, spokesman for Chester Republican Dominic Pileggi, the Senate majority leader, says the scheduling of a hearing doesn't signal a shift in favor of the bill.
"Public opinion seems to be changing somewhat on this issue. I don't think it reflects anything beyond the fact that Senators would like to get more information, understand it better and think about it. But we have no plans to bring the bill up for a vote this year."
Arneson also notes that Governor Corbett has indicated he would veto a medical marijuana bill, though Corbett has said he might reconsider his position if the FDA deems it appropriate.