Medical Marijuana Amendment Advances In Pennsylvania House
HARRISBURG, Pa. (CBS) -- Medical marijuana has cleared a major hurdle in the state legislature with state House approval of an amendment Monday night.
The state Senate months ago passed a medical marijuana bill and Monday evening, the House approved a comprehensive amendment to the Senate bill crafted by a work group assembled on the issue. Democrat Joseph Petrarca said the group concluded medical marijuana is a tool for doctors to help people.
"It was parents wanting to help children," Petrarca said, "it was doctors wanting to help patients."
But Republican Matt Baker delivered a marathon speech arguing against medical marijuana, in part because he contends there is not enough independent scientific study.
"Just because you call marijuana medicine doesn't make it true," Baker said.
The House must still take a final vote on the amended medical marijuana bill and if that bill passes, it will have to go back to the Senate.