Local Family Relieved Pennsylvania Legalized Medical Marijuana
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) - Pennsylvania is now the 24th state to legalize medical marijuana as Gov. Tom Wolf signed the bill into law on Sunday.
Democrats and Republicans flanked Gov. Wolf as he made history in Harrisburg. Supporters from both parties lobbied to legalize medical marijuana in Pennsylvania.
"We have done it. Marijuana is medicine and it is coming to Pennsylvania," Sen. Daylin Leach said.
With a prescription, patients suffering from 17 conditions, including seizures, cancer and chronic pain, will have access to medical marijuana. The Department of Health has been given the power to authorize up to 150 dispensaries across the state.
"I think I mostly am filled with gratitude today and want to just take this opportunity to, of course, extend thanks to several heroes in my heart," Campaign for Compassion's Lolly Bentch said.
For Heather Shuker, of Wexford, the relief is real. Her 13-year-old daughter, Hannah, has had repeated seizures since she was 4-months-old.
"The seizure medications help her to a degree. They also hinder her because they come with such severe side effects. We wanted the option and fought so hard for the option to try medical cannabis because we know that does not have any side effects," Shuker said.
Shuker and her daughter traveled from Wexford to be in Harrisburg to see the governor sign the bill.
"It's not only going to help the children with epilepsy. It's helping our friends that have cancer, and PTSD and chronic pain. It's going to do a lot of good," Shuker said.
Pennsylvania's law takes effect next month.
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