Key State Senator Aims To Move Forward Bill To Legalize Medical Marijuana In Pennsylvania
By Tony Romeo
HARRISBURG, Pa. (CBS) -- A key state Senator says he's pushing full steam ahead with legislation to legalize medical marijuana in Pennsylvania after a hearing on the issue Wednesday morning.
A medical marijuana bill passed the Senate in the last two-year session of the legislature, but died for lack of action in the House. Appearing before the Senate State Government Committee Wednesday, Dr. Steven Shapiro, a member of the Pennsylvania Medical Society Board, said more studies are needed.
"As a pediatrician," Shapiro said, "I can't deal with anything but fact when I look that patient in the eye."
But Lebanon County Republican Mike Folmer, chairman of the committee and prime sponsor of the medical marijuana bill, said he believes there's plenty of evidence.
"Doctor, I appreciate your passion," Folmer said. "And my mission is to convert you, because once I convert you, we're going to be awesome, and we're going to move this thing right along."
Folmer said he wants a bill broader in scope than the one passed by the Senate last year.