Pittsburgh, PA − May 8, 2018 − Governor Tom Wolf today announced the certification of eight medical facilities as academic, clinical research programs for medical marijuana. Among those certified is the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.
Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa, Jr. applauded the decision to certify UPMC and looks forward to the work the facility produces.
“UPMC is already a top notch medical resource in our community, and this additional certification is going to enhance its research capabilities,” said Senator Costa. “When we considered medical marijuana legislation at the state level, we were highly interested in the outcomes of children and people with epilepsy when treated with this medication. I’m anxious to see the research and conclusions UPMC is able to reach.”
More than 37,000 patients have registered to participate in the medical marijuana program, with over 16,000 who have received their identification cards and received medical marijuana at a dispensary. 1,000 physicians have registered for the program with more than 600 certified as practitioners.
Since Pennsylvania’s medical marijuana program was created, the Administration has:
- Completed temporary regulations for growers/processors, dispensaries, physicians, patients, laboratories, and academic clinical research centers and clinical registrants, all of which have been published in the Pennsylvania Bulletin;
- Issued Phase I permits to grower/processors and dispensaries;
- Developed the Medical Marijuana Physician Workgroup; Convened the Medical Marijuana Advisory Board;
- Approved six training providers for physician continuing-education;
- Approved four laboratories to test medication before it is delivered to patients;
- Launched registries for patients and caregivers, as well as physicians;
- Approved 23 dispensaries and 12 grower/processers to begin operations;
- Issued permit applications for Phase II of the program for grower/processors and dispensaries.
The Medical Marijuana Program offers medical marijuana to patients who are residents of Pennsylvania and under a practitioner’s care for the treatment of a serious medical condition as defined by the Medical Marijuana Law.
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