"Obviously some members support it, but the vast majority of members in our caucus believe the states should not be in the business of deciding what is or is not medicine. That's what the FDA can and does do," said Steve Miskin, spokesman for House Majority Leader Mike Turzai (R., Allegheny).
Gov. Corbett is expected to veto any marijuana legalization bill that is broader than his proposal for a pilot study of the use of cannabis (CBD) oil to treat children with epilepsy.
"The governor remains opposed to legalization of marijuana for recreational or medicinal purposes beyond the scope of the CBD oil of his research pilot proposal," said Corbett spokesman Jay Pagni.
Sen. Chuck McIlhinney (R., Bucks), chairman of the law and justice committee, asked his members on Friday after the vote to "say a prayer" that it is passed into law.
"The individuals who will be helped most by this sort of treatment are some of the state's most vulnerable residents, including children who suffer from debilitating seizures who have exhausted all other treatment options," McIlhinney said.
"Despite many prejudices surrounding this issue, the use of medical cannabis offers tremendous potential as a safe and effective treatment for many Pennsylvanians suffering from chronic illness," he said.
The bill must still win approval of the Appropriations Committee.
"This is the most 'feel good' vote I'm going to make in my years here," said Sen. Wayne Fontana (D., Allegheny).
After the vote, Folmer appeared to be choked up, and Leach stood beside four families of children with severe chronic illnesses.
"This is a people issue," Folmer said.
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Medical marijuana bill out of Pa. Senate committee