Northwest PA News

Rep. Kathy L. Rapp of the 65th District in Pennsylvania, a Republican chair of the House Health Committee, successfully pushed for an amendment to a bill focusing on enhancing lab oversight for medical marijuana. The amendment, aimed at ensuring the safety and trustworthiness of medical marijuana products in Pennsylvania, was unanimously approved during a recent committee meeting.

"I’m not often a proponent of increasing bureaucratic oversight, but these safeguards are needed to ensure Pennsylvanians using medical marijuana can trust the products found in dispensaries throughout the Commonwealth," stated Rep. Kathy L. Rapp regarding the importance of the amendment.

The newly added provisions in the bill require labs to conduct annual inspections, submit proposed modifications to standard operating procedures within 30 days, and clarify that violations may lead to civil penalties. Additionally, the Department of Health would be granted the authority to revoke or suspend licenses, further strengthening oversight measures in the medical marijuana sector.

The bill, known as House Bill 2208, received a favorable 24-1 vote from the committee and is now set to move to the full House for deliberation.

In addition to the lab oversight amendment, the committee also discussed and approved Senate Bill 721, which aims to establish the Women, Infants, and Children State Advisory Board (WICSAB). Despite the approval, Rep. Kathy L. Rapp expressed her reservations by stating, "I want to be clear that I support the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program and its mission, but I do not support redundant legislation."

Senate Bill 721, which received a 17-8 vote with Rapp voting against it, is now scheduled for consideration by the full House.

For media inquiries or further information, please contact Jake Gillespie at 717.772.9834 or visit RepRapp.com / Facebook.com/RepRapp.