Sen. Dan Laughlin, R-Erie, is pictured taking his oath of office in January. Laughlin is proposing the state create a Cannabis Control Board to deal with issues in the state’s medical marijuana program as well as manage legalized marijuana sales if the state Legislature approves legalization.

An Erie lawmaker is proposing a further shakeup to the way marijuana is governed in Pennsylvania – including the state’s medical marijuana program.

Sen. Dan Laughlin, R-Erie, is circulating a co-sponsorship memorandum for legislation he is drafting that would create a Cannabis Control Board to assume oversight of both the state’s medical marijuana program and the currently unregulated products proliferating throughout the commonwealth.

“Since the enactment of Act 16 of 2016, the Pennsylvania Department of Health’s oversight of the Medical Marijuana Program has been plagued by regulatory inconsistencies, lack of transparency, and inefficiencies that have frustrated patients and businesses alike,” Laughlin wrote in his memorandum. “This failure has underscored the need for a dedicated regulatory body with the expertise and resources necessary to effectively manage and oversee the industry.”

Investigations published by Spotlight PA have shown a small number of doctors approve a large share of medical marijuana cards in Pennsylvania while the state Health Department rarely blocks doctors from joining the program based on prior discipline. Legislation based on the news outlet’s reporting has been advanced out of the state House of Representatives and will now be discussed by the state Senate, according to a recent Spotlight PA article.

It could place those doctors on probation, limit the number of certifications they are allowed to issue, mandate supervision by another practitioner, and impose reporting requirements. The department could also set other conditions if needed to protect patients. Laughlin will lead Senate deliberations of the proposal.

At the same time, Laughlin’s memorandum shows he is taking a different approach by transferring regulatory control of the medical marijuana program to a new agency. It’s a proposal that comes with an eye on the state’s possible future approval of recreational marijuana use for adults. Laughlin has been a strong supporter over the past couple of years of legislation that would legalize marijuana, including announcing plans to reintroduce legislation Laughlin has sponsored in the past with state Sen. Sharif Street. The bill sets a lower tax rate than the one that has been proposed by Gov. Josh Shapiro that is currently being discussed as part of state budget talks.

“This legislation will transfer regulatory control of the Medical Marijuana Program to the CCB, ensuring continuity, efficiency, and improved oversight of medical cannabis businesses and patient access,” Laughlin said. “Additionally, it will establish uniform safety standards to protect consumers from untested and potentially harmful products. Please join me in co-sponsoring this important piece of legislation. By consolidating oversight under a single regulatory board, we can eliminate inconsistencies, enhance transparency, and provide the structure needed to responsibly manage this industry.”