The Pennsylvania State Nurses Association (PSNA), representing more than 215,000 registered nurses in Pennsylvania, today stood in Harrisburg’s Capitol Rotunda and brought a message of support for SB 1182, “Medical Marijuana,” introduced by Senator Folmer and Senator Leach. PSNA supports the establishment of efficient drug delivery, growing and dispensing systems as contained within SB 1182.

It is the position of PSNA that medical marijuana is worthy of further rigorous clinical testing. To truly weigh the risks and benefits of medical marijuana, there must be federal-level open discussions regarding the conversion of marijuana from a Schedule I to Schedule II drug classification. Schedule II classification would allow testing of consistent grade medical marijuana in a randomized controlled fashion to ascertain the drug’s risk/benefit profile for a multitude of illnesses and symptoms.

“Every nurse has taken a pledge. The Nurse’s Code of Ethics embodies our commitment to society and our commitment to change social structures that may diminish health and well-being,” states PSNA Chief Executive Officer Betsy M. Snook, MEd, RN, BSN. “We are committed to our patients, the public and to collaborating with other health professionals to promote efforts determined to meet health needs and to shape health policy. That’s exactly what this bill does and why we proudly support it today.”

The Pennsylvania State Nurses Association (PSNA) is the non-profit voice for nurses in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Representing more than 215,000 nurses, the Association works to be essential in advancing, promoting and supporting the profession of nursing to improve health for all in the Commonwealth. PSNA is a constituent member of the American Nurses Association (www.psna.org).