Growers / Processors
Dispensary removes Standard Farms products from shelves
The largest medical marijuana retailer in Pennsylvania has removed an embattled White Haven producers products from its shelves, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer. The newspaper reports that TerraVida Holistic Centers, headquartered in Jenkintown, has removed Standard Farms vape cartridges, tinctures, and other cannabis extracts from its stores. The move comes after a Philadelphia Inquirer story reported that three former executives alleged that the company violated state regulations. Some of those rules were meant to ensure…
White Haven marijuana facility faces criticism from former employees, neighbors
A marijuana growing facility in White Haven reeks so intensely that many neighbors say they can’t open their windows in the summer without feeling sick. The acrid stench from Standard Farms’ greenhouses can be detected up to a half-mile across the Luzerne County community. Complaints were routine at borough meetings, minutes show. Several neighbors claim they have struggled to sell their houses — as their property values crashed — since the marijuana producer moved into…
Dispensaries
Ethos Cannabis opens medical dispensary in Hazleton
Ethos Cannabis, a multi-state medical dispensary operator headquartered in Philadelphia, has officially announced the opening of its dispensary in Hazleton, located at 113 Woodbine Street.
Medical marijuana facility to open in WB Township
WILKES-BARRE TWP. — The newest medical marijuana dispensary to come to Northeastern Pennsylvania is gearing up for its grand opening on Wednesday, and officials held an open house on Friday to let potential new customers know they’re ready for them.
Patients / Caregivers
Study finds dramatic increases in vaping marijuana, nicotine among young adults
ANN ARBOR, Mich. — The number of young adults in the U.S. who are vaping marijuana and nicotine has more than doubled in two years, according to a national study by researchers at the University of Michigan.
Key cannabis chemical may help prevent colon cancer, researchers say
COLUMBIA, S.C. — A chemical in marijuana may be able to help prevent colon cancer, according to a new study from top University of South Carolina researchers.
Physicians
Studies link legal marijuana with fewer opioid prescriptions
NEW YORK (AP) — Can legalizing marijuana fight the problem of opioid addiction and fatal overdoses? Two new studies in the debate suggest it may. Pot can relieve chronic pain in adults, so advocates for liberalizing marijuana laws have proposed it as a lower-risk alternative to opioids. But some research suggests marijuana may encourage opioid use, and so might make the epidemic worse. The new studies don’t directly assess the effect of legalizing marijuana on…
Men seeking medical marijuana bombard gynecologist’s office in Pennsylvania
ALTOONA, Pa. (AP) — A Pennsylvania gynecologist says she has been inundated with calls from men trying to set up appointments after hearing she was permitted to approve patients to seek medical marijuana from the state. Dr. Liang Bartkowiak told the Altoona Mirror she was mentioned in the media as being eligible to certify medical marijuana users, and then her office phone started ringing off the hook. It was primarily men on the line. Bartkowiak…
Economics
Senators Laughlin, Street introduce bipartisan adult use marijuana legalization bill
HARRISBURG – State Senators Dan Laughlin (R-Erie) and Sharif Street (D-Philadelphia) today introduced bipartisan legislation to legalize adult use marijuana in Pennsylvania. The bill prioritizes safety, community reinvestment, social and economic equity, agriculture, and creates vital tax revenue streams for the Commonwealth. Video of the Senators’ press conference announcing the legislation.
House votes to decriminalize marijuana at federal level
WASHINGTON — The Democratic-controlled House on Friday approved a bill to decriminalize and tax marijuana at the federal level. The bill would reverse what supporters called a failed policy of criminalization of pot use and take steps to address racial disparities in enforcement of federal drug laws.