Bill > HB878

This bill amends Pennsylvania's vehicle laws to update regulations around driving under the influence of controlled substances, specifically addressing medical marijuana. The bill adds a definition for "medical marijuana" as marijuana used lawfully under the state's Medical Marijuana Act. It modifies existing law to create a specific defense for individuals charged with driving with controlled substances in their system if those substances are medical marijuana. However, this medical marijuana defense does not apply to commercial drivers. The bill clarifies that while having a legal prescription or authorization for a controlled substance is generally not a defense to driving under the influence, medical marijuana users can now use their legal status as a potential defense. The changes aim to provide clearer guidelines for medical marijuana patients while still maintaining safety standards for driving. The bill will take effect 60 days after its passage, giving time for law enforcement and the public to understand the new provisions.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/bill_history.cfm?syear=2025&sind=0&body=H&type=B&bn=878