PA Looks To Lift DUIs For Medical Cannabis Users

HARRISBURG, PA — Lawmakers in Pennsylvania are looking to prevent DUIs for those who legally use medicinal cannabis, citing a loophole in the law that still punishes those with prescriptions. Individuals who use cannabis to the point of impairment would still not be permitted to drive while under the influence.

Supporters say that when the General Assembly originally made medical cannabis legal in 2016, they should have ensured that patients had the same rights as those with prescriptions for other medications.

"Unfortunately, Pennsylvania remains a state with a zero-tolerance policy on this matter, needlessly imperiling hundreds of thousands of Pennsylvania drivers who are also medical cannabis patients," State Reps. Christopher M. Rabb and Rep. Aaron D. Kaufer said in a statement.

Forthcoming legislation would only protect those with medical cannabis cards, and would not protect any illegal cannabis use or any impaired drivers.

More than 30 states allow some form of cannabis use, and most have adjusted their DUI laws to account for medical cannabis use, Rabb and Kaufer argue.

The legislation was previously introduced as House Bill 900 but did not advance.