Senator Dan Laughlin has introduced Senate Bill 49, aiming to improve regulation of Pennsylvania’s Medical Marijuana Program and address unregulated intoxicating hemp products.

The bill proposes creating a Pennsylvania Cannabis Control Board to take over regulatory responsibilities from the Department of Health.

It would also establish safety standards for currently untested hemp products available to the public.

Laughlin cited inconsistent oversight by the Department of Health since medical marijuana legalization in 2016 and concerns about the unregulated sale of intoxicating hemp products legalized under the 2018 Federal Farm Bill.

The proposal follows a recent Senate Law and Justice Committee hearing highlighting public safety risks posed by these products.

The Cannabis Control Board would focus first on regulating intoxicating hemp items to ensure proper age restrictions, labeling, and tax collection.