New proposed legislation in Pennsylvania could significantly expand which doctors are able to prescribe medical cannabis.
The legislation, which is now awaiting final approval from the state’s health secretary, Rachel Levine, would allow nurse practitioners and podiatrists to grant approval for medical cannabis cards.
This would dramatically expand access to the state’s medical cannabis program, which is already thought to have over 700,000 patients, and mean thousands more medical professionals are able to prescribe.
Current regulations mean that only licensed medical doctors or doctors of osteopathic medicine can certify patients for Pennsylvania’s medical cannabis program.
According to Spotlight PA, patient groups have suggested the move could also reduce the price of obtaining a medical cannabis card.
Nurse practitioners, who are already authorized to provide various forms of care such as prescribing medications and diagnosing conditions, would be able to certify patients without needing direct physician oversight for cannabis cards.
This shift aligns with similar practices in over 20 U.S. states where nurse practitioners can recommend cannabis for medicinal use.
It also comes amid a bipartisan push by the state legislature to loosen restrictions for nurse practitioners, enabling them to operate independently from physicians.
