SB 49: An Act establishing the Cannabis Control Board; providing for powers and duties of the Cannabis Control Board; establishing the Cannabis Regulation Fund; providing for permits and for dispensing cannabis to patients and caregivers; and making repeals. - Pennsylvania

Printer's No. PN1680 → Printer's No. PN1805 · 8 edits

MODERATE

This revision updates the bill text to reflect its re-reporting by a different senator and adds a new printer's number. It significantly modernizes the Cannabis Control Board's structure by clarifying gubernatorial appointments, extending member terms, and updating ethics rules. Crucially, it shifts the board's regulatory approach from requiring specific software vendors to allowing businesses to choose their own compatible systems, while adding new requirements for curbside pickup and transportation.

Scope change

The bill's scope remains focused on establishing and regulating the Cannabis Control Board, but the applicability of specific operational rules has expanded to include curbside pickup services and transportation logistics.

ELIGIBILITY

Changed the reporting of the bill from Senator Laughlin to Senator Pittman and updated the printer's number to reflect the latest version.

REQUIREMENT

Replaced a rigid list of specific qualifications for Governor-appointed board members with a flexible list of required experience areas.

Updated the background investigation timeline to require completion within 15 days instead of 30 days.

Expanded financial disclosure requirements to include interests held by immediate family members.

Added new regulations for curbside pickup services and transportation requirements for cannabis products.

Changed the seed-to-sale software requirement to allow businesses to use their own compatible systems rather than mandating a specific vendor.

TIMELINE

Extended the term of office for Governor-appointed board members from two years to three years.

DEFINITION

Updated references to change 'chapter ACT' to 'act' for consistency throughout the document.

Printer's No. PN1506 → Printer's No. PN1680 · 5 edits

MODERATE

This revision updates the bill text to reflect the latest version (Printer's No. 1680) and significantly expands the legal definition of 'hemp' to include specific research, microgreen, and seed-production uses. It also clarifies the Cannabis Control Board's authority by adding 'ACT' to several references to the new legislation and updates the board's meeting frequency requirements.

Scope change

The bill's scope was expanded to explicitly include specific agricultural and research uses of hemp (such as microgreens and seed production) within the definition of 'hemp,' whereas previous versions relied on broader or different phrasing. The applicability of the board's authority is also clarified by consistently referencing the new 'Cannabis Control Board Act.'

DEFINITION

The definition of 'hemp' was modified to explicitly include plants grown for microgreens, research at institutions of higher education, and viable seeds for material production, and to exclude intermediate products with specific cannabinoid thresholds.

The definition of 'THC' was modified to explicitly include delta-7, delta-8, and delta-10 tetrahydrocannabiphorol, hexahydrocannabinol, and other substances with similar psychoactive effects.

New definitions were added for 'Transaction scan device,' 'Final hemp-derived cannabinoid product,' 'Hemp-derived cannabinoid product,' and 'Intermediate hemp-derived cannabinoid product' to clarify regulatory boundaries.

REQUIREMENT

The requirement for the Cannabis Control Board to hold meetings was modified to mandate a minimum frequency of 'not less than two times per month' rather than just 'as often as deemed necessary.'

TECHNICAL

Multiple references to the new legislation were updated to include the word 'ACT' (e.g., 'this chapter ACT') to ensure consistency with the official title of the bill.

Printer's No. PN1020 → Printer's No. PN1506 · 6 edits

MODERATE

The bill was updated to reorganize its structure, adding new chapters for dispensaries and growers while renumbering existing sections. It significantly expanded the definition of 'Cannabis' to include specific hemp-derived cannabinoids and clarified exclusions for industrial hemp. The update also introduced stricter conflict-of-interest rules for board members and employees, increased the frequency of required board meetings, and added new regulatory requirements for product safety and transportation.

Scope change

The bill's scope was broadened to explicitly include a wider range of hemp-derived cannabinoid products under the definition of 'Cannabis' and added specific chapters governing dispensaries and growers.

DEFINITION

Added detailed definitions for 'Cannabis,' 'Hemp,' 'Hemp-derived cannabinoid product,' and 'Container' to clarify what substances are regulated and how they are packaged.

Expanded the definition of 'Cannabis' to explicitly include certain hemp-derived cannabinoids (like delta-8 and delta-9) while clarifying that industrial hemp remains excluded.

REQUIREMENT

Added new chapters (6 and 7) specifically addressing dispensaries, growers/processors, and repeals, which were previously missing or less distinct.

Added new conflict-of-interest provisions requiring board members and employees to divest financial interests and prohibiting them from accepting employment with regulated entities after leaving office.

Changed the requirement for board meetings from 'as often as deemed necessary' to a mandatory minimum of 'not less than two times per month.'

Added specific regulatory requirements for product safety, labeling, advertising restrictions to prevent appeal to minors, and detailed transportation security measures.

An Act establishing the Cannabis Control Board; providing for powers and duties of the Cannabis Control Board; establishing the Cannabis Regulation Fund; providing for permits and for dispensing cannabis to patients and caregivers; and making repeals.

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