HARRISBURG – Legislation introduced by Sen. Dan Laughlin (R-49) to bring greater structure, accountability and consistency to Pennsylvania’s cannabis landscape advanced out of the Senate Law and Justice Committee today.
Laughlin, who chairs the committee, said Senate Bill 49 reflects extensive work to modernize oversight of a rapidly evolving industry while prioritizing public safety and patient access.
“When we passed the Medical Marijuana Act in 2016, our intent was clear — to provide patients with safe, reliable access to therapeutic cannabis,” Laughlin said. “While the Department of Health has worked within its authority, it was never designed to oversee such a complex and specialized industry. The result has been delays, inconsistent oversight and a lack of clarity that patients and responsible operators are feeling.”
Laughlin noted the growing presence of intoxicating hemp-derived products, such as THCA and delta-8, being sold in gas stations, vape shops and convenience stores across the commonwealth. He said these products often fall into a regulatory gray area, with limited testing, inconsistent labeling and insufficient age restrictions.
“That is a clear public health and consumer safety concern,” Laughlin said.
He emphasized Senate Bill 49 is not a cannabis legalization measure.
“Let me be absolutely clear, this bill does not legalize adult-use marijuana and does not expand access beyond what is already permitted under current law,” Laughlin said. “Instead, it addresses the reality on the ground by bringing order to an existing system, closing regulatory gaps and aligning Pennsylvania’s hemp laws with new federal standards taking effect this November.”
Under the legislation, intoxicating hemp-derived products, including THCA and similar cannabinoids, would fall under the oversight of the Pennsylvania Cannabis Control Board and be subject to clear rules for testing, labeling, age restrictions and enforcement.
The bill would also transfer oversight of the state’s Medical Marijuana Program to the newly established Cannabis Control Board, creating a dedicated body responsible for licensing, compliance, enforcement and consumer safety. Laughlin said the model mirrors the structure and effectiveness of the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board.
The bill now heads to the full Senate for consideration.
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