On today’s episode of The Confluence:
Physicians can greenlight patients to use medical marijuana, but they can’t advertise it
(0:00 - 6:30)
When medical marijuana was legalized statewide in 2016, lawmakers made a concession: physicians could not advertise their ability to approve patients. This restriction has made it difficult for residents to access the treatment.
The state Department of Health defines advertising as paid messaging. However, the department has enforced this restriction in patchwork ways, saying physicians listing cannabis services on their practice’s website is a violation.
“[For doctors] there’s a lot at stake, potentially,” says Ed Mahon, a reporter for Spotlight PA who looked into the advertising restrictions for physicians. “They can get kicked out of the medical marijuana program… and in a separate case, the department even threatened greater action and alluded to potential consequences on [one physician’s] medical license.”
Marijuana advocates are hoping more physicians become certified through the medical marijuana program, giving patients more opportunity to find a practitioner in their area.
Small businesses will soon be able to tap into federal funds for loans and other support
(6:36 - 13:21)
Throughout the pandemic, small businesses survived by modifying operating hours, or changing how they operated entirely. Now Pennsylvania business owners will have a chance to access federal funds to help them transition into the next phase of the pandemic.
The first iteration of the State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI), introduced in 2010, gave Pennsylvania businesses a total of $29 million through the program. The program has been re-established through American Rescue Plan funds, and this year Pennsylvania is hoping to receive $268 million in aid.
“We're still awaiting final approval of our proposal,” says Steve D’Ettorre, deputy secretary of technology and innovation at the Department of Community and Economic Development, which oversees the funds. “A lot of it is still written in pencil until we get that approval from [the U.S. Department of the] Treasury.”
D’Ettorre says the state’s plan is to distribute the funds through equity investments revolving loans, and a small amount of venture capital. One of the new proposals this year is the availability of some funds as venture capital.
The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust’s longtime president and CEO is stepping down
(13:26 - 22:30)
Since 2001, J. Kevin McMahon has served as president and CEO of the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, and his two decade tenure is coming to an end. Reflecting upon his work, McMahon says the Trust has helped revitalize downtown Pittsburgh by encouraging the growth of arts, performing and visual, in galleries and theaters as well as outdoors.
“I think the Trust, as maybe the largest arts organization in the region, is a leader. And as a leader, it really tries its best to make sure that we are looking at the community as a whole, making sure that there is entertainment and arts for all organizations, both large organizations and small,” says McMahon.
He will retire from the position at the end of this year. The Trust’s board has announced it will conduct a nationwide search for its next president and CEO.
The Confluence, where the news comes together, is 90.5 WESA’s daily news program. Tune in Monday to Thursday at 9 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. to hear newsmakers and innovators take an in-depth look at stories important to the Pittsburgh region. Find more episodes of The Confluence here or wherever you get your podcasts.
