ACLU of PA Congratulates Patients, Parents, and Allies on Passage of Medical Cannabis

HARRISBURG, Pa. – After Governor Tom Wolf signed legislation on Sunday to authorize medical cannabis, the American Civil Liberties Union of Pennsylvania issued a statement to congratulate the many advocates and legislators involved. The following can be attributed to Reggie Shuford, executive director of the ACLU of Pennsylvania:

“In our work, we have seen repeatedly that the story of civil liberties is most effective when it is told by those whose lives are directly impacted, for better or for worse. All of the credit for making this new law a reality goes to the patients and the parents who painstakingly told their stories and who articulated their hope that cannabis could relieve them and their loved ones of their suffering.

“Congratulations to the Campaign for Compassion, the Keystone Cannabis Coalition, and the local chapters of NORML, among many others, for their tireless and successful efforts.

“The government’s war on marijuana has ruined thousands of lives. Its use for medical purposes in Pennsylvania at least begins to undo some of the damage that has been done.”

The following can be attributed to Andy Hoover, legislative director of the ACLU of Pennsylvania:

“Senator Mike Folmer and Senator Daylin Leach are passionate about many civil liberties issues, and medical cannabis is no different. Both senators took what started as a lost cause and crafted it into a winner. We are grateful for their leadership.

“There is still plenty of work to be done in implementation. Patients should not face discrimination in the workplace or from overzealous law enforcement. This medicine needs to be accessible to as many patients as possible, regardless of means, geography, or any other potential limitation.

“The ACLU of Pennsylvania looks forward to working with the many stakeholders as the medical cannabis law takes shape over the next two years.”