What is the future of telehealth in the MMJ space? HB1024 - Update
If you’ve been worried about the future of telehealth like I’ve been, you may be familiar with House Bill 1024. This bill was created by Rep. Paul Schemel a few months ago. It started out as a simple three-page bill that would make permanent all of the temporary provisions in the PA MMJ realm (including the use of telehealth) that were put in place last year due to COVID. HB1024 has been on quite a wild ride over the past month. After detouring into several committees, and getting amended beyond the point of recognition, it was officially passed in both the PA House and Senate late yesterday evening. This bill is now on its way to Gov. Wolf, who is expected to sign it.
One proposed amendment that was favored by many cannabis patients and advocates, was Sen. Street's amendment that would allow the homegrow of cannabis (up to 5 plants) by MMJ patients. Unfortunately that amendment could not be agreed upon (prohibitionists gonna prohibit) and it got tabled.
HB1024, as it is now, is really a mixed bag, but it does have some wins for patients- It makes permanent the temporary provisions that we've come to know and count-on, including certification via telehealth, curbside pick-up at dispensaries, ability to purchase 90-day supply of cannabis products (instead of 30-day), and a slightly easier process for becoming a caregiver (and renewing one’s caregiver card). It also contains a provision that would hasten the creation and funding of the Patient Hardship Fund, which would provide financial help to patients with paying for medical cannabis-related fees. (The Patient Hardship Fund provision is contained in the original Act 16, but because of red tape, it has not yet been able to be put in action. The details and logistics remain to be worked out.)
There is A LOT more packed into this bill (lots of wins for grower/processors), but I will just keep it simple here. We will see what happens to HB1024 when it gets to the governor’s desk and I’ll keep you posted!