by KYW's Kim Glovas
Thirteen states currently have laws allowing marijuana for medical use. A local bioethics expert says it's time that Pennsylvania joins that club.
Arthur Caplan (right), director of the University of Pennsylvania's Center for Bioethics, says House Bill 1393 is pending in the state legislature. He says there are many Pennsylvanians suffering from diseases who could benefit from the legislation:
"Some have glaucoma, some have cancer, and medical marijuana would really go a long way toward helping some of these people. My attitude is if a doctor prescribes it, then marijuana ought to be available to all Pennsylvanians. We should be on board the shift and make sure that Pennsylvanians have everything they need to control their suffering."
Caplan says those against the bill claim it will entice teens to use marijuana. He believes that patients, suffering from illness who are nauseous and in pain, are not glamorous and would not appeal to young people.
House Bill 1393 is sponsored by state representative Mark Cohen of Philadelphia.
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