State of Pennsylvania secondary Archives: on Drugs
Allyson Schwartz:
Reduce the criminalization of simple marijuana possession
All four candidates would sign legislation to legalize marijuana for medicinal purposes. They also broadly agree there should be changes in arrests for marijuana possession.
Schwartz would support legislation "to reduce the criminalization" of simple marijuana possession. Wolf supports decriminalizing possession of under an ounce of marijuana. McGinty and Schwartz say they oppose the legalization of marijuana sales.
Source: Washington Times on 2014 Pennsylvania governor race
May 17, 2014
Dwight Evans:
Establish state medical marijuana program
Excerpts from legislation: - Scientific evidence suggests that medical marijuana is one potential therapy that may mitigate suffering in some patients and also enhance quality of life.
- Regulating the program which allows access to
medical marijuana will enhance patient safety while research into its effectiveness continues.
- It is the intent of the general assembly to provide a program of access to medical marijuana which balances the need of patients with the need to promote
patient safety.
- The program to provide access to medical marijuana serve as a temporary measure, pending federal approval of and access to medical marijuana through traditional medical and pharmaceutical avenues.
Legislative outcome: Rep. Evans voted YEA; bill passed House, 149-43-8 on March 16; bill passed Senate, 42-7-1 on May 12; signed by Governor Tom Wolf on April 17
Source: Pennsylvania legislative voting records: SB 3
Mar 16, 2015
Fred Keller:
Establish state medical marijuana program
Excerpts from legislation:Scientific evidence suggests that medical marijuana is one potential therapy that may mitigate suffering in some patients and also enhance quality of life. Regulating the program which allows access to medical
marijuana will enhance patient safety while research into its effectiveness continues. It is the intent of the general assembly to provide a program of access to medical marijuana which balances the need of patients with the need to promote patient
safety. The program to provide access to medical marijuana serve as a temporary measure, pending federal approval of and access to medical marijuana through traditional medical and pharmaceutical avenues.
Legislative outcome: Rep. Keller voted YEA; bill passed House, 149-43-8 on March 16; bill passed Senate, 42-7-1 on May 12; signed by Governor Tom Wolf on April 17
Source: Pennsylvania legislative voting records: SB 3
Mar 16, 2016
Ken Krawchuk:
Marijuana isn't a gateway drug
Q: Do you support or oppose the statement, "Marijuana is a gateway drug"?
A: Nonsense. I support legalizing recreational cannabis and ending the insane War on Drugs entirely.
Source: OnTheIssues interview: 2018 Pennsylvania Governor candidate
May 18, 2018
Jeff Bartos:
Marijuana: no on legalization, yes on medical use
[Gubernatorial candidate state Sen. Scott] Wagner opposes legalizing recreational marijuana, as does Jeff Bartos, who said there is "not enough data yet on the major health consequences and public health consequences" of legalization. Mr. Bartos said he
is in favor of medical marijuana, though.[Lt. Gov. candidate and Mayor of Braddock John] Fetterman said when he was running for U.S. Senate in 2016, he believed
Pennsylvania should go "full Colorado" with legalization-- but added that although there are opportunities, he stands by Mr. Wolf. The governor has said Pennsylvania isn't ready for legalization. "There is a small area of difference between myself and
Gov. Wolf on that matter, but I do believe that Gov. Wolf has been a champion and signed medical marijuana into law," Mr. Fetterman said, "and I know Gov. Wolf supports decriminalizing it."
Source: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette on 2018 Pennsylvania Senate debate
Oct 6, 2021
Jim Christiana:
Medical marijuana is legitimate use
Christiana voted in favor of legislation (Senate Bill 3) that would permit the use of medical cannabis in Pennsylvania in a controlled fashion. "As a father, I cannot even imagine the anguish of watching my child suffer from
a debilitating and painful disease and being powerless to help them. Imagine a doctor telling parents that their child could get relief from their pain with medical cannabis, but they can't because of where they live.
This issue has a direct impact on the quality of life of Pennsylvania citizens, and for some, it's a matter of life and death. We must put politics aside and show compassion to those suffering from these devastating illnesses.
That is why I voted today for legislation that would safely implement the use of medical cannabis oil in this state."
Source: 2018 Pennsylvania Senatorial website RepChristiana.com
Jul 2, 2017
Jim Christiana:
Voted YES on Medical Marijuana Act
On March 16, 2016, the House voted in support of an amended version of SB 3, the Medical Marijuana bill. The Senate then made minor technical amendments to the bill and, on April 12, voted to send the updated version
back to the House for concurrence. The bill passed 42-7 [including a YES vote from Rep. Jim Christiana].On April 17, 2016, Gov. Tom Wolf signed the Medical Marijuana Act into law.
Source: Marijuana Policy Project on Pennsylvania voting records
Mar 16, 2016
John Fetterman:
Very pro-legalization of marijuana
Pittsburgh NORML, a local chapter of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws, will be hosting a fundraiser for John Fetterman for United States Senate. Fetterman was recently quoted in the Washington Post explaining his stance on
marijuana reform: `I'm also very pro-legalization of marijuana. I also think we as a country need to have a conversation about the legalization of other drugs. I've been mayor of a town that's had a lot of economic upheaval, and
I've seen this: the war on drugs is a failure. If you're taking drugs, you're doing it to numb some pain in your life. It's a medical issue.`
Pittsburgh NORML shares Mayor Fetterman's position on cannabis and we believe he is the best candidate on issues of drug reform and criminal justice.
Source: The Daily Chronic on 2016 Pennsylvania Senate race
Sep 27, 2015
John Fetterman:
Listening tour, report got governor to support legalization
Weeks after taking office, John embarked on a listening tour of all 67 counties, something no sitting Lt. Governor has ever done, to engage with Pennsylvanians about legalizing marijuana. In three months, the historic tour saw over
10,000 people turn out in person and tens of thousands more engage online. Following John's final report and recommendations, the Governor announced his support for legalization for the first time.
Source: 2022 Pennsylvania Senate campaign website JohnFetterman.com
Jan 21, 2021
John Fetterman:
Legalization means billions in revenue, thousands of jobs
The impact of criminalization on people of color is a disgrace, he says. And if marijuana was fully legalized, the state would have billions in revenue instead of billions in deficits, especially during the pandemic. "It would create tens of thousands
of unsubsidized jobs," says Fetterman. "It would be a boon for our farmers in terms of a cash crop. It would be (great) from a personal freedom standpoint. It would be a gateway drug away from opioids and other harder substances, you know."
Source: NEXTPittsburgh.com on 2022 Pennsylvania Senate race
Jan 14, 2021
John Fetterman:
Go "full Colorado" on legalizing recreational marijuana
[Gubernatorial candidate state Sen. Scott] Wagner opposes legalizing recreational marijuana, as does Jeff Bartos, who said there is "not enough data yet on the major health consequences and public health consequences" of legalization. Mr. Bartos said he
is in favor of medical marijuana, though.[Lt. Gov. candidate and Mayor of Braddock John] Fetterman said when he was running for U.S. Senate in 2016, he believed
Pennsylvania should go "full Colorado" with legalization-- but added that although there are opportunities, he stands by Mr. Wolf. The governor has said Pennsylvania isn't ready for legalization. "There is a small area of difference between myself and
Gov. Wolf on that matter, but I do believe that Gov. Wolf has been a champion and signed medical marijuana into law," Mr. Fetterman said, "and I know Gov. Wolf supports decriminalizing it."
Source: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette on 2018 Pennsylvania Senate debate
Oct 6, 2021
Josh Shapiro:
Supports legalization, expunging non-violent convictions
Attorney General Josh Shapiro tweeted his support for legalization on one condition. "We must simultaneously expunge the records of those
serving time for non-violent marijuana convictions--and that is non-negotiable," Shapiro wrote.
Source: Philly Voice on 2022 Pennsylvania Gubernatorial race
Sep 28, 2021
Katie McGinty:
Legalize medicinal pot; decriminalize recreational pot
All four candidates would sign legislation to legalize marijuana for medicinal purposes. They also broadly agree there should be changes in arrests for marijuana possession. Specifically, McGinty says she supports decriminalizing the recreational use of
marijuana.McGinty and Schwartz say they oppose the legalization of marijuana sales. McCord and Wolf say before deciding whether to support legalizing marijuana sales, they want to study the experience of states where it's legal.
Source: Washington Times on 2014 Pennsylvania governor race
May 17, 2014
Katie McGinty:
Medical marijuana yes; but legalization no
Incumbent Sen. Pat Toomey (R), while serving in the U.S. House, voted against a 2003 floor amendment to protect state medical marijuana laws from federal interference. But last June, he cheered an Obama administration move to remove a roadblock in
the way of more medical cannabis research.Democratic challenger Katie McGinty is a former chief of staff to Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf (D), who recently signed a medical marijuana bill into law.
For her own part, McGinty "supports legalizing medical marijuana and supports decriminalization," a spokesperson said this year. But in 2013, in response to a voter's question, she said, "I am not for legalization of marijuana."
In the same appearance, however, McGlinty also said she opposed even medical cannabis, so it's possible that her position on full legalization will similarly evolve.
Source: Marijuana.com on 2016 Pennsylvania Senate race
Jun 13, 2016
Lloyd Smucker:
Voted NO on Medical Marijuana Act
Excerpts from legislation: - Scientific evidence suggests that medical marijuana is one potential therapy that may mitigate suffering in some patients and also enhance quality of life.
- Regulating the program which allows access to
medical marijuana will enhance patient safety while research into its effectiveness continues.
- It is the intent of the general assembly to provide a program of access to medical marijuana which balances the need of patients with the need to promote
patient safety.
- The program to provide access to medical marijuana serve as a temporary measure, pending federal approval of and access to medical marijuana through traditional medical and pharmaceutical avenues.
Legislative outcome:Sen. Smucker voted NAY; bill passed House, 149-43-8 on March 16; bill passed Senate, 42-7-1 on May 12; signed by Governor Tom Wolf on April 17
Source: Pennsylvania legislative voting records: SB 3
May 12, 2015
Madeleine Dean:
Establish state medical marijuana program
Excerpts from legislation: - Scientific evidence suggests that medical marijuana is one potential therapy that may mitigate suffering in some patients and also enhance quality of life.
- Regulating the program which allows access to
medical marijuana will enhance patient safety while research into its effectiveness continues.
- It is the intent of the general assembly to provide a program of access to medical marijuana which balances the need of patients with the need to promote
patient safety.
- The program to provide access to medical marijuana serve as a temporary measure, pending federal approval of and access to medical marijuana through traditional medical and pharmaceutical avenues.
Legislative outcome: Rep. Dean voted YEA; bill passed House, 149-43-8 on March 16; bill passed Senate, 42-7-1 on May 12; signed by Governor Tom Wolf on April 17
Source: Pennsylvania legislative voting records: SB 3
Mar 16, 2015
Mehmet Oz:
Cannabis safer than alcohol & safer than narcotics
Oz, who previously asserted that marijuana could represent a tool to combat the opioid epidemic and has made other public comments about the plant's therapeutic potential, said "I'm hoping the federal government at some point--someone's going to
say, 'come on, this is a farce, open it up for the entire country.' That way, the right people can begin to prescribe it.""We ought to completely change our policy on marijuana. It absolutely works.
Now I've seen this helping people with sleep issues, with pain issues for sure, and a lot of people who have serious medical problems getting relief--and here's the thing, you can't die from it.
I'm unaware of any case when anyone has overdosed."
"It's a lot safer than alcohol. It's safer than narcotics. It ought to be used more widely and we can't even study it that easily because of the way it's regulated," he said.
Source: Marijuana Moment blog on 2022 Pennsylvania Senate race
Dec 6, 2021
Mehmet Oz:
Marijuana not gateway to narcotics, may be the exit drug
Opponents of legalizing marijuana have long claimed that it is a "gateway drug" that leads to use of other substances. But one of the country's most famous physicians says the opposite might be true. "The real story is the hypocrisy around medical
marijuana," Mehmet Oz -- better known as Dr. Oz -- said in an appearance on Fox News. "People think it's a gateway drug to narcotics. It may be the exit drug to get us out of the narcotic epidemic."
Source: Forbes magazine on 2022 Pennsylvania Senate race
Sep 19, 2017
Pat Toomey:
Medical marijuana research yes; but state laws no
Incumbent Sen. Pat Toomey (R), while serving in the U.S. House, voted against a 2003 floor amendment to protect state medical marijuana laws from federal interference. But last June, he cheered an Obama administration move to remove a roadblock in
the way of more medical cannabis research.Democratic challenger Katie McGinty is a former chief of staff to Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf (D), who recently signed a medical marijuana bill into law.
For her own part, McGinty "supports legalizing medical marijuana and supports decriminalization," a spokesperson said this year. But in 2013, in response to a voter's question, she said, "I am not for legalization of marijuana."
In the same appearance, however, McGlinty also said she opposed even medical cannabis, so it's possible that her position on full legalization will similarly evolve.
Source: Marijuana.com on 2016 Pennsylvania Senate race
Jun 13, 2016
Scott Wagner:
Establish statewide medical marijuana program
Legislative Summary: Establishing a medical marijuana program; providing for patient and caregiver certification and for medical marijuana organization registration; providing for a tax on medical marijuana gross receipts; and establishing
the medical marijuana advisory board & research program.Legislative Outcome:Sen. Wagner co-sponsored bill on Jan. 26, 2015; passed House 149-43-8 on March 16; passed Senate 40-7 on May 12; signed by Gov. Wolf on April 17
Source: Pennsylvania Legislative voting records on SB3
Jan 26, 2015
Scott Wagner:
Supports legal medical marijuana but not recreational
Q: Legalize or decriminalize legalize marijuana?Scott Wagner (R): Supports legal medical marijuana but not recreational.
Tom Wolf (D): Supports legal medical marijuana; does not support legalizing recreational at this time, wait on experience of other states.
Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide: Pennsylvania Governor race
Oct 9, 2018
Sharif Street:
Emerging cannabis industry could boost job opportunities
Pennsylvania's emerging cannabis industry could result in significant employment opportunities for residents of the Commonwealth. Recently legalized medical marijuana has already created new cannabis-related jobs. The production and sale of
legalized adult-use cannabis has the potential to significantly benefit our commonwealth's economy. According to a report from New Frontier Data, the legal cannabis market will create more than 250,000 jobs by 2020.
Source: 2022 Pennsylvania Senate campaign website StreetForPA.com
Jun 27, 2022
Tom Wolf:
Bipartisan support for legalizing marijuana
There's a lot more in this budget, including a number of things that I know have bipartisan support:- Building on progress and continuing to reform our criminal justice system.
-
Improving the professional licensing process to knock down barriers to entering high-demand professions
- Legalizing recreational marijuana.
Source: 2021 State of the State Address to Pennsylvania legislature
Feb 3, 2021
Tom Wolf:
Legalize medicinal marijuana & decriminalize one ounce
All four Democratic candidates would sign legislation to legalize marijuana for medicinal purposes. They also broadly agree there should be changes in arrests for marijuana possession.
Specifically, McGinty says she supports decriminalizing the recreational use of marijuana. Schwartz would support legislation "to reduce the criminalization" of simple marijuana possession.
Wolf supports decriminalizing possession of under an ounce of marijuana.McGinty and Schwartz say they oppose the legalization of marijuana sales.
McCord and Wolf say before deciding whether to support legalizing marijuana sales, they want to study the experience of states where it's legal.
Source: The Patriot News on 2014 Pennsylvania governor debate
May 10, 2014
Tom Wolf:
Study states with legal marijuana sales before deciding
All four candidates would sign legislation to legalize marijuana for medicinal purposes. They also broadly agree there should be changes in arrests for marijuana possession. Wolf supports decriminalizing possession of under an ounce of marijuana.
McGinty and Schwartz say they oppose the legalization of marijuana sales. McCord and Wolf say before deciding whether to support legalizing marijuana sales, they want to study the experience of states where it's legal.
Source: Washington Times on 2014 Pennsylvania governor race
May 17, 2014
Tom Wolf:
Opioid epidemic has stolen the futures of far too many
There's no better illustration of the different approach than the steps we've taken together to address the public health crisis of heroin and opioid abuse. This epidemic has stolen the futures of far too many of our fellow Pennsylvanians. The numbers
are simply staggering.We armed law enforcement with the tools they need to crack down on those who profit from this crisis by preying on our most vulnerable citizens. And we equipped police and first responders with naloxone, a life-saving opioid
overdose antidote, allowing them to reverse more than 2,300 opioid overdoses so far. We destroyed more than 100,000 pounds of unused and unwanted prescription drugs before they could fall into the wrong hands, and we redesigned the Prescription Drug
Monitoring Program so that medical professionals can monitor patients and identify those who may be at risk. We've taken our campaign against opioids to devoting more than $20 million to expanding treatment options.
Source: 2017 State of the State address to Pennsylvania Legislature
Feb 7, 2016
Tom Wolf:
Signed Medical Marijuana Act
On March 16, 2016, the House voted in support of an amended version of SB 3, the Medical Marijuana bill. The Senate then made minor technical amendments to the bill and, on April 12, voted to send the updated version
back to the House for concurrence. The bill passed 42-7.On April 17, 2016, Gov. Tom Wolf signed the Medical Marijuana Act into law, making Pennsylvania the 24th state to legalize medical marijuana.
Source: Marijuana Policy Project on Pennsylvania voting records
Apr 17, 2016
Tom Wolf:
Legal medical marijuana, but not recreational, yet
Q: Legalize or decriminalize legalize marijuana?Scott Wagner (R): Supports legal medical marijuana but not recreational.
Tom Wolf (D): Supports legal medical marijuana; does not support legalizing recreational at this time, wait on experience of other states.
Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide: Pennsylvania Governor race
Oct 9, 2018
Val Arkoosh:
Decriminalize marijuana, reform on nonviolent drug offenses
While the First Step Act in the U.S. Senate was a tremendous step forward, Val believes we must take additional steps to continue making progress on sentencing for nonviolent drug offenses, decriminalize marijuana,
reinstate voting rights for those who have served their time, and do more to help give returning citizens a second chance.
Source: 2022 Pennsylvania Senate campaign website ValArkoosh.com
Dec 19, 2021
Page last updated: Feb 18, 2023