Pennsylvania Governor Signs Bill Legalizing Medical Marijuana

Medical marijuana is now legal in Pennsylvania. It is the 24th state in the United States to authorize the use of cannabis for medical purposes.

Time reported that Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf signed the bill that legalizes medical marijuana. Wolf tagged this as a "truly historic legislation" for his locality.

The governor explained that patients who have serious medical concerns can now use marijuana to ease their pain if it is suggested for use by a doctor or physician. "The signing of this bill, which will improve the quality of life for patients and their families throughout Pennsylvania, shows that Harrisburg can come together to address big challenges on behalf of the people of the commonwealth," Wolf mentioned in a statement.

Proponents of the legislation said in a New York Daily News report that it may still take about two years to finalize the regulations of the bill and have retailers for marijuana. They, however, claimed that parents are now legally authorized to give their kids medical marijuana before it takes effect next month.

Aside from this provision, it was also noted that the newly signed bill also establishes standards on how to track plants, certify physicians and license marijuana growers. It also states that medical marijuana can be taken as a pill, applied as oil, ointment and used as vapor.

Bill advocates Lolly Bentsch and Dana Ulrich are thankful that their efforts to have the bill signed have finally paid off. "This whole process has been long and torturous and it seemed like it was just never going to end. And it was tear-filled and it was heartbreaking because we lost people along the way but we had each other," an emotional Bentsch said, as per PennLive.

He said that the hardships that they faced just to see this day come were all worth it. Supporters of the bill looked back to the two and a half year journey before the signing of the bill and are glad that residents will finally be able to use marijuana to treat illnesses.