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SB 1274

An Act amending the act of April 14, 1972 (P.L.233, No.64), known as The Controlled Substance, Drug, Device and Cosmetic Act, further providing for definitions; and providing for medical marijuana exemption.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Jay Costa and 4 co-sponsors

The bill updates definitions in Pennsylvania’s Controlled Substances Act and establishes or clarifies a medical marijuana exemption within the regulatory framework.

Referred to Law & Justice
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 1274

Summary of Bill SB 1274 (2025-2026) – Pennsylvania

Overview

  • Title: An Act amending the act of April 14, 1972 (P.L.233, No.64), known as The Controlled Substance, Drug, Device and Cosmetic Act, further providing for definitions; and providing for medical marijuana exemption.
  • Session: 2025-2026
  • Jurisdiction: Pennsylvania
  • Introducers: Co-sponsors Judy Schwank, Patty Kim, Wayne Fontana, John Kane, Jay Costa
  • Latest Action (as of provided history): Referred to Law & Justice on 2026-04-17

Purpose and Intent

The bill aims to modify Pennsylvania’s Controlled Substance, Drug, Device and Cosmetic Act by:
- Updating definitions within the Act.
- Providing for a medical marijuana exemption, creating or clarifying a specific carve-out related to medical marijuana within the regulatory framework.

The exact text of the amendments is not provided in the summary, but the stated goal is to refine the legal definitions used to regulate controlled substances and to establish or clarify exemptions tied to medical marijuana.

Key Provisions (Expected Based on Title and Summary)

  1. Revisions to Definitions
    • Amendments to terms used throughout the Act (e.g., what constitutes a controlled substance, manufacturing, distribution, possession, schedules, or related terms).
    • Possible alignment with recent medical cannabis developments, patient protections, and regulatory practices.
  2. Medical Marijuana Exemption
    • Establishment or clarification of an exemption related to medical marijuana.
    • Could affect enforcement, possession thresholds, or exemptions from certain penalties or licensing requirements for qualifying patients, caregivers, or medical cannabis entities.
    • May address whom the exemption applies to (patients, licensed medical marijuana processors/distributors, or health-care providers) and under what circumstances.
  3. Regulatory Alignment
    • Adjustments to ensure consistency between the Controlled Substances Act framework and Pennsylvania’s Medical Marijuana Act or medical cannabis program.
    • Potential references to registration, records, or reporting requirements pertinent to exemptions.

Who Would Be Affected

  • Patients and Caregivers: If the medical marijuana exemption provides protections or allowances, patients and designated caregivers could benefit in terms of possession limits, exemptions from penalties, or procedural protections.
  • Medical Cannabis Industry: Licensed medical marijuana growers, processors, dispensaries, and related professionals may be subject to clarified or adjusted regulatory interactions with the broader drug control framework.
  • Law Enforcement and Prosecutors: Guidance on how the exemption interacts with enforcement, penalties, and case charging standards.
  • Healthcare Providers: Potential impact on clinical recommendations and documentation for patients using medical marijuana, depending on the exemption scope.

Procedural and Timeline Considerations

  • Referral: As of 2026-04-17, the bill has been referred to the Law & Justice Committee, which typically means it will move to committee hearings, amendments, and potential votes before moving to the full chamber.
  • Next Steps for the Bill: Committee deliberation, potential amendments, floor amendments, and passage by both chambers (House and Senate) followed by Gubernatorial action. If enacted, provisions would take effect on a specified effective date (to be stated in the final Act).

Potential Impacts and Considerations

  • The introduction of a medical marijuana exemption could reduce penalties or provide clearer protections for medical cannabis-related activities under the broader controlled substances regime.
  • Clarified definitions may reduce ambiguity in enforcement, improve regulatory consistency, and aid in compliance for regulated industries and medical cannabis entities.
  • The actual scope of exemptions (e.g., patient possession limits, transfer rules, or physician recommendations) will depend on the final text of the amendments.

Note

The summary above is based on the bill’s title, stated purpose, and action history. The precise language of the amendments will determine the exact legal effects, applicability, and effective dates.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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