Medical Cannabis Roundtable Set for Aug. 13 in Ellwood City

ELLWOOD CITY, Pa. – Proponents and opponents of medical cannabis will take part in a roundtable Aug. 13 in the auditorium of the Ellwood City Municipal Building. The 7 p.m. is being presented by the Ellwood City Area Chamber of Commerce.

Earlier this year, Pennsylvania state senators approved Senate Bill 3, which would legalize marijuana for medical applications, by a 40-7 vote, and the Pennsylvania State House could consider the legislation later this year. The chamber, which remains neutral on the issue, is presenting the forum so that individuals and businesses have a better understanding of the issues, said Lori Hilliard, chamber executive director.

“We’ve been approached by various individuals and businesses who have had questions about the issue of medical cannabis and weren’t sure where to go to get accurate information,” she said. “There are strict limitations regarding how medical cannabis can be used and how it will be regulated, but many people aren’t sure of the details or how it will be monitored. In order to help people understand what’s happening and how it may affect them, we decided to host a roundtable.”

So far, 23 states and the District of Columbia have legalized medical cannabis; similar legislation is pending in seven more states and 11 have failed to legalize it or have had the matter put on hold.

Speakers will include Patrick Nightingale, a criminal defense attorney and outspoken proponent of medical cannabis; Ryan West of Greenbriar Treatment Centers, a published expert on the subject of workplace drug and alcohol addiction; state Sen. Mike Folmer, the sponsor of Senate Bill 3; and Danielle McGurk, the parent of two children who could benefit from medical cannabis to treat a severe form of epilepsy.

Also speaking will be Michael Palladini, a registered pharmacist who has developed training materials focused on prescription drug abuse and marijuana use and abuse.

The speakers each will have 15 minutes to address the medical cannabis issue and explain their stance. After all participants have spoken, audience questions will be accepted in writing and responded to by the panelists. As guests arrive at the round table, they will be given pencil and paper to write down their questions.

For more information about the roundtable, call Hilliard at 724 758 5501.

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