Soon after the US Federal government passed the Farm Bill, Senator Schwank signed the Senate Bill NO 335 in 2019 which legalized industrial hemp in Pennsylvania in line with the limits suggested by the Farm Bill.
While there is a concentration limit for hemp-derived Delta-9 concentrations which can only be 0.3% or less on a dry weight basis, there is no concentration limit for Delta 8 and CBD in Pensylvania.
Medical Marijuana in Pennsylvania
The term “medical marijuana” refers to using the whole unprocessed marijuana plant or its basic extracts to treat a disease or symptom. Studies show that the marijuana plant contains chemicals that may help treat a range of illnesses or symptoms, and can assist patients suffering from serious medical conditions by alleviating pain and improving their quality of life.
The Pennsylvania Department of Health began the process of implementing the state’s Medical Marijuana Program which offers medical marijuana to patients who are under a physician’s care for the treatment of a serious medical condition.
In 2016, Governor Wolf signed Senate Bill 3, legalizing medical marijuana in Pennsylvania, and from February 2018 medical marijuana became available for patients with serious medical conditions who will be able to access medical marijuana with a physician’s certification at designated state dispensaries.
For now, recreational marijuana usage remains illegal in Pennsylvania, and the only way to legally possess the substance is by having a valid medical marijuana card. For now, the annual medical marijuana card cost is $50.
Sec. 2 Definitions
The following words and phrases when used in this act shall have the meanings given to them in this section unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:
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"Industrial hemp." A plant of the genus cannabis and any part of the plant, whether growing or not, containing a delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol concentration of not more than 0.3% on a dry-weight basis.
- "Product." A finished product containing industrial hemp which:
(1) Is a cosmetic, food, food additive, or herb.
(2) Is for human use or consumption.
(3) Contains any part of the hemp plant, including naturally occurring cannabinoids, compounds, concentrates, extracts, isolates, resins, or derivatives.
(4) Contains a delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol concentration of not more than 0.3%.
Sec. 3 Manufacturing of food products
Each manufacturer of food containing industrial hemp must comply with the following:
(1) Each part of the hemp plant utilized in the food product must come from a state that has an established and approved industrial hemp program or a country that inspects or regulates hemp under food safety or equivalent criteria to ensure safety for human consumption.
(2) The industrial hemp producer or grower must be in good standing and in compliance with the governing laws of the state or country of origin.
(3) The industrial hemp, each part of the industrial hemp plant used, and the finished product must not contain more than 0.3% delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol.
(4) The product must be labeled in accordance with Federal and State labeling laws and in accordance with the following:
(i) Clear identification that the product contains hemp.
(ii) Clear identification that the product contains cannabidiol and the percentage of cannabidiol if added to the product.
(iii) The statement "The FDA has not evaluated this product for safety or efficacy."