who do i report misuse of medical marijuana by a patient in pennsylvania?

by Ms. Dessie Kshlerin DDS 4 min read

Medical Marijuana Patient and Caregiver Resources

11 hours ago 2020 Act 10 - PA General Assembly. The Pennsylvania Department of Health is in the process of implementing the state’s Medical Marijuana Program, signed into law on April 17, 2016. When fully implemented, the Medical Marijuana Program will provide access to medical marijuana for patients with a serious medical condition through a safe and ... >> Go To The Portal


Who is considered a medical marijuana patient in Pennsylvania?

Under the law, Pennsylvania residents who have a serious medical condition as certified by an approved physician are considered medical marijuana patients. Patients register for an ID card and use that card to obtain medical marijuana at Pennsylvania dispensaries.

How does Pennsylvania’s medical marijuana law affect workplace discipline?

Pennsylvania’s Medical Marijuana Act offers more workplace protections than many states, but that doesn’t mean you’re automatically immune to discipline at the hands of your employer.

What happens if you get caught with marijuana in PA?

All possession offenses revolve around the Pennsylvania marijuana possession laws 30g cut-off point: If you are found in possession of 30 grams (or less) of marijuana, you will be convicted for a misdemeanor that is punishable with 30 days in jail, as well as a $500 fine.

How do I register for medical marijuana in Pennsylvania?

First, create a profile in the Medical Marijuana Registry. This profile includes basic information such as your legal name, current address, and contact information. To register for the medical marijuana program, you must have a Pennsylvania driver’s license or an ID card issued by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation.

How do I file a complaint with the PA Health Department?

Call the Department of Health to file a quality complaint: (888) 477-2787 or (888) 466-2787.

What are the laws for medical marijuana in Pennsylvania?

Medical marijuana dispensaries are permitted to sell up to a 30 day supply of the medicine to a patient. Records must be kept of each amount obtained. Patients can then "re-up" their 30 days supplies in the last 7 days of the amount they have, in order to get a refill. These limits are strictly enforced.

Is medical marijuana protected in PA?

The Act provides protections for employees certified to use medical marijuana and in particular, it prohibits employers from discriminating or taking an adverse action against an employee “solely on the basis of the employee's status as an individual who is certified to use medical marijuana.” Employers, however, are ...

Does Pa protect medical marijuana patients?

The Pennsylvania Medical Marijuana Act (Act 16) protects registered patients from unfair discrimination in the workplace without requiring employers to violate federal law.

How to get medical marijuana in Pennsylvania?

The first step to get medical marijuana in Pennsylvania is to register. First, create a profile in the Medical Marijuana Registry . This profile includes basic information such as your legal name, current address, and contact information. To register for the medical marijuana program, you must have a Pennsylvania driver’s license ...

When did Pennsylvania legalize marijuana?

Governor Wolf legalized medical marijuana in Pennsylvania on April 6, 2016, and on February 15, 2018, medical marijuana became available for patients at dispensaries across the commonwealth — providing long-overdue medical relief to patients with serious medical conditions.

What is a caregiver in medical marijuana?

A caregiver is someone who can pick up medical marijuana at a dispensary on a patient’s behalf. Each patient can designate up to two caregivers. Minor patients are required to have a caregiver.

How long does it take to get a medical marijuana card?

Allow four to six weeks for your application to go through the approval process. Once notified of your acceptance by the Department of Health, return to the Patient and Caregiver Registry to pay any fees to obtain your medical marijuana caregiver card.

How much does a medical marijuana card cost?

The cost of a medical marijuana ID card is $50.

Can a caregiver register for an existing patient?

In the “Caregivers” section, click Caregiver registering for an existing patient” if the patient is registered and is a minor, requires in-home support, or has a disability that requires assistance. (These patients will not get an ID card of their own or visit a dispensary.)

Does Pennsylvania require medical marijuana?

Physicians who recommend medical marijuana in Pennsylvania are required to register with the Department of Health. If your current physician is not registered with the Department of Health, you can find an approved physician here .

When was PA's medical marijuana program implemented?

The Pennsylvania Department of Health is in the process of implementing the state’s Medical Marijuana Program, signed into law on April 17, 2016. When fully implemented, the Medical Marijuana Program will provide access to medical marijuana for patients with a serious medical condition through a safe ...

When did Pennsylvania start the medical marijuana program?

The Pennsylvania Department of Health is in the process of implementing the state’s Medical Marijuana Program, signed into law on April 17, 2016. When fully implemented, the Medical Marijuana Program will provide access to medical marijuana for patients with a serious medical condition through a safe ...

How long does it take to get a medical marijuana card in Pennsylvania?

The application process takes about 7 to 10 days on average.

Can an employer retaliate against an employee in Pennsylvania?

Under Pennsylvania law, an employer may not “discharge, threaten, refuse to hire or otherwise discriminate or retaliate against an employee regarding an employee’s compensation, terms, conditions, location or privileges solely on the basis of such employee’s status as an individual who is certified to use medical marijuana.”.

Is it legal to smoke marijuana in Pennsylvania?

As of this writing, it’s still illegal to smoke dry-herb marijuana in Pennsylvania, even if you have a medical marijuana card. The state does allow dried flower as of 2018, but it must be vaporized and not smoked. Dispensaries are also prohibited from selling edibles like cookies, brownies, and gummies.

Can you be disciplined for smoking marijuana in Pennsylvania?

Under Pennsylvania law, employers reserve the right to discipline or terminate any employee who uses marijuana at work, works while under the influence, or takes any action that “would put the employer or any person acting on its behalf in violation of federal law.”. This is where things get complicated.

Is Pennsylvania a reciprocity state?

The Pennsylvania Department of Health is working toward implementing a marijuana reciprocity program . This means that, in the near or distant future, out-of-state patients will be able to apply for a temporary visitor card and access Pennsylvania dispensaries.

Is Pennsylvania a medical marijuana state?

Pennsylvania’s Medical Marijuana Act offers more workplace protections than many states, but that doesn’t mean you’re automatically immune to discipline at the hands of your employer. Under Pennsylvania law, an employer may not “discharge, threaten, refuse to hire or otherwise discriminate or retaliate against an employee regarding an employee’s compensation, terms, conditions, location or privileges solely on the basis of such employee’s status as an individual who is certified to use medical marijuana.”

Is marijuana legal in Pennsylvania?

There’s a lot of confusion about marijuana usage and gun ownership. The Pennsylvania State Police adhere to federal law when it comes to marijuana and firearms. This may be bad news for gun owners interested in medical marijuana, as the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF) expressly prohibit marijuana users from accessing firearms.

When did Pennsylvania legalize marijuana?

Since the approval of the Pennsylvania marijuana laws on April 6th, 2016, and their subsequent implementation on February 15th, 2018, the Pennsylvania Department of Health enforces and manages the Medical Marijuana Program currently being applied at a state-wide level.

How long can you have weed if you have a patient status?

Your patient status grants you access to a 30-day supply of marijuana, a unique quantity that is set by your recommending doctor when you start your treatment. Legally speaking, there is no reason for you to possess any marijuana beyond your explicitly set limit.

How much jail time is there for possession of 30 grams of marijuana?

If you are found in possession of 30 grams (or less) of marijuana, you will be convicted for a misdemeanor that is punishable with 30 days in jail, as well as a $500 fine.

How long is a medical marijuana card good for?

The doctor’s recommendation, along with your medical marijuana purchasing rights, are only valid for 1 year. Following that, we recommend you book a re-evaluation with our licensed doctors.

Can you use cannabis from a dispensary?

Any and all medical cannabis you intend to use needs to be acquired legally from a licensed dispensary. If your treatment includes hashish-based products OR any other type of marijuana concentrate, know that the regulations remain the same.

Can you grow cannabis on your own property in Pennsylvania?

Personal sales are prohibited by the court of law and you should NOT engage in any way, shape, or form. Your patient status does NOT give you the right to grow cannabis plants on your own property in Pennsylvania. Any and all medical cannabis you intend to use needs to be acquired legally from a licensed dispensary.

Does Pennsylvania have a medical marijuana card?

While having a medical card provides you with a great deal of empowerment over your health and wellbeing, great power must always come with great responsibility. Pennsylvania imposes specific marijuana laws related to its state-wide regulated use.

How much jail time is there for possession of marijuana in Pennsylvania?

Possession. It is a misdemeanor to possess any amount of marijuana for personal use in Pennsylvania. The top penalty for possession of 30 grams or less is 30 days in jail and a fine of $500. If the amount is greater than 30 grams, the maximum punishment is 1 year in jail and $5,000 in fines.

How long is marijuana possession in prison?

Selling or distributing any amount of cannabis within 1,000 feet of a school or within 250 feet of a playground carries between 2 and 4 years in prison. Selling or giving marijuana to a minor doubles the penalty, as does sale or distribution after a previous drug conviction.

What is marijuana paraphernalia?

Paraphernalia includes any items used in the cultivation, harvesting, storage, analysis, testing, weight, or consumption of marijuana. Possession and sale. Possession or sale of marijuana paraphernalia is a misdemeanor with a maximum penalty of 1 year in jail and $2,500 in fines. Sale to a minor.

How much jail time is required for selling marijuana?

Selling or distributing 30 grams of marijuana or less is a misdemeanor as long as nothing else of value changes hands. The maximum sentence is 30 days in jail and $500 in fines. Sale or distribution of more than 30 grams is a felony, punishable by a minimum of 2.5 years in prison, and a maximum of 5 years and a $15,000 fine.

Can a minor smoke marijuana?

Patients are not permitted to consume marijuana by smoking. It does not violate state law “if a parent or guardian of a minor under 18 years of age lawfully obtains medical marijuana from another state, territory of the United States or any other country to be administered to the minor.”.

Is it illegal to grow cannabis in Pennsylvania?

It is a felony to grow cannabis plants in Pennsylvania, regardless of the amount. The penalty is a prison term of between 2.5 – 5 years, plus $15,000 in fines. Cultivation offenders are subject to a driver’s license suspension.