Recently, a series of investigations conducted by Spotlight PA shed light on weak oversight of Pennsylvania’s medical marijuana program by the state Department of Health. The investigations revealed that a small number of doctors are responsible for approving a large number of medical marijuana cards, with some doctors issuing more than 5,000 patient certifications in a single year, and a few exceeding 10,000.
Lawmakers are now considering changes to the state’s medical marijuana law in response to these findings. Currently, doctors remain the gatekeepers for obtaining a medical marijuana card, with no plans to expand the list of medical professionals who can approve patients for the program.
Concerns have been raised about the quality of care many patients receive, as well as the risks associated with easily granted certifications. While some cite the drug’s relative safety, others point to potential harms, including an increased risk of psychosis and cannabis use disorder associated with products high in THC.
State regulators have acknowledged their limited power in overseeing the medical marijuana program, with some lawmakers seeking to increase the Department of Health’s oversight powers. Spotlight PA’s investigations have prompted greater attention to the oversight issue in Harrisburg, with members of the Medical Marijuana Advisory Board and state senator questioning the health department’s oversight of doctors.
Spotlight PA’s legal victories have also led to greater transparency in the medical marijuana program, with the Pennsylvania Department of Health providing certification data for individual doctors following a legal battle. Reports from other states like Colorado and Florida provide additional information on medical marijuana recommendations issued by doctors.
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