Pennsylvania State Rep. Melissa Shusterman introduced legislation to expand the number of medical cannabis growers in the state, according to an Oct. 29 press release from the Democratic lawmaker.
The measure would prioritize smaller enterprises and farmers, allowing them a chance to compete in the medical cannabis market and to acquire a growing license, the release states.
The legislation is an effort to "lessen the burden on consumers" and help alleviate supply-chain issues, which Shusterman believes is caused by the state's strict laws of how many growers can be in one zone.
"The monopoly of several big corporations over this industry has created a supply shortage, which drives up prices and hurts consumers who need their prescribed medication," the release states.
Shusterman said in the release that Pennsylvania medical cannabis patients should not have trouble accessing medication and that the current restrictions only hurt farmers, businesses and patients.
"The studies have shown again and again the benefits of medical marijuana for certain medical conditions," she said. "It's not fair that only big corporations control the market, hurting consumers and small businesses."
Shusterman said her legislation would help lower prices for consumers and put medication in the hands of "those who need and want it the most."
