Pennsylvania lawmakers are investigating the state’s medical marijuana program following a series of reports by Spotlight PA. These investigations revealed concerning practices among certain doctors who are certifying cannabis for patients.
Investigative reporter Ed Mahon highlighted that some doctors with disciplinary records are allowed to approve medical marijuana certifications. The reports also uncovered that a small group of doctors issued an unusually high number of certifications, with three doctors alone approving over 11,000 medical marijuana cards in 2022.
This alarming data caught the attention of state lawmakers. Representative Tim Twardzik, who represents Pennsylvania’s 123rd District, noted that significant legislative action has occurred recently in both the state House and Senate, influenced by these findings. He stated that he introduced a bill inspired by Mahon’s reporting to address deficiencies in the medical marijuana program.
State Representative Arvind Venkat, from Pennsylvania’s 30th District, expressed his concerns about the program, emphasizing the need for increased oversight from the Department of Health. Mahon shared that the Senate is also utilizing the data from the investigations to question high-ranking officials in Governor Josh Shapiro’s administration.
Senator Rosemary Brown, representing Pennsylvania’s 40th District, asked about the specialties of the three doctors who issued so many certifications and the department’s efforts to improve the medical marijuana program. Secretary of Health Debra Bogen responded that while she could not provide specifics on the doctors, she acknowledged that current authority limits their ability to monitor the situation effectively.
The proposed state House bill aims to enhance the monitoring of cannabis doctors by the Department of Health. It would allow the department to set limits on how many patients each doctor can certify and could include provisions for supervision or auditing of their practices. This bill is currently awaiting consideration in the state Senate. If approved and signed by Governor Shapiro, it would mark the first significant reform since the inception of the medical marijuana program in Pennsylvania.
Spotlight PA Correspondent Mitch Blacher remarked on the impact of their reporting, to which Mahon expressed appreciation for the recognition, highlighting the importance of audience engagement with their work. Spotlight PA will continue to track the legislation and investigate the effects of any new patient protections.
