PA State Sen. Chris Gebhard’s bill to expand the number of permits given to small-scale marijuana growers, processors and dispensaries passed the General Assembly on Tuesday.
The legislation would allow independent growers/processors to obtain one dispensary permit and allow independent dispensaries to qualify for one grower/processor permit.
Gebhard, whose district includes a portion of northern Lancaster County stretching from Adamstown Borough to Clay Township, told LNP | LancasterOnline that current law favors large-scale growers by only allowing five in the state to apply for dispensary permits.
“As I’ve said all along, this is not about what these companies are selling, they could be selling widgets for all I care, this is about allowing small Pennsylvania businesses to compete against large multistate operators that have come into this state and attempted to take over an entire industry,” Gebhard said in a written statement.
The bill now waits for PA Gov. Josh Shapiro’s signature. His spokesman said Shapiro plans to sign the legislation.
The PA state Department of Health found that up to 10 independent growers and four independent dispensaries statewide could qualify for the additional permits, according to a fiscal impact analysis conducted by the House Appropriations Committee.
Gebhard’s bill would not change the cost of either permit established by the Department of Health. Applying for a dispensary permit currently costs an initial fee of $5,000 and an additional $30,000 for every dispensary location. A grower/processor permit application costs an initial $10,000 and an approved permit costs an additional $200,000.
The Senate approved the bill in a 44-6 vote on Tuesday, with Lancaster County’s two other Republican senators – Ryan Aument of West Hempfield and Scott Martin of Martic Township – voting for it.
The bill passed the House last month in a 114-89 vote, facing opposition from most Republicans and four Democrats. Every Lancaster County GOP House member opposed the bill, including East Earl Republican Rep. Dave Zimmerman, whose 99th District overlaps with part of Gebhard’s.
“The intent of the bill the senator proposed was to give small Pennsylvania farmers an opportunity to be involved in the industry as growers,” said Zimmerman. “The bill as voted does not accomplish that goal.”
Zimmerman said he would have liked the proposal if it limited who could obtain a permit to Pennsylvania-based companies.
Gebhard said his bill is good for the state’s economy.
“The folks that have fought me every step of the way on this legislation have jeopardized over a hundred family sustaining jobs in my district alone and hundreds more across the state,” Gebhard said. “I will continue to fight for all small businesses and the jobs they create as long as I am a member of the Pennsylvania Senate.”
