Medical Marijuana Advocates Ask Harrisburg To Consider Updating Law
By Tony Romeo
HARRISBURG, Pa. (CBS) -- A Pennsylvania state senate committee today heard testimony on legislation that would legalize medical marijuana in Pennsylvania.
A spokesman for the senate majority leader says the fact that a hearing was held does not indicate a groundswell of support for medical marijuana in the state senate.
But after hearing compelling testimony about the benefits, state senator Anthony Williams (D-Phila.), a member of the Senate Law and Justice Committee, said he has changed his mind.
"So I move from the skeptic opposition to… I will be co-sponsoring the bill," Williams said today.
But moments later, Michael Fraser, VP of the Pennsylvania Medical Society, said his organization is not yet convinced.
"Until further research clearly demonstrates its safe and effective use in patient care beyond any reasonable doubt, we urge caution and we do not recommend marijuana for medical use in Pennsylvania," he said.
The chairman of the committee, meanwhile, said he might hold more hearings but that for now no vote on the bill has been scheduled.