Legislation Introduced in Pennsylvania House for Medical Cannabis Patients’ Workers’ Compensation

On July 28, 2025, legislation was introduced in the Pennsylvania House that would require employers, though their workers’ compensation insurers, to reimburse qualified employees for the cost of medical cannabis (1). The bill, House Bill 1766, would amend the act of June 2, 1915 (P.L.736, No.338), known as the Workers' Compensation Act. The proposed subparagraph to be added to Section 306 of P.L.736, No.338 states that employees who are medical cannabis patients receiving workers’ compensation and who qualify for the dollar-for-dollar reimbursement would receive a maximum of $250 per month and a yearly maximum of $3000 to cover the cost of their medical cannabis purchases. The employee would be responsible for the costs beyond the monthly $250. The insurer must establish a system of reimbursement on a quarterly basis at least, the bill adds.

Additionally, the employee would be eligible to have their medical cannabis card fee and renewal fee also reimbursed.

In a corresponding memo (2), Representative David Delloso, the prime sponsor, explained the aim of the bill, and urged other House members to support it. “Injured workers in chronic pain need a workable option for pain management other than opioids,” he stated. “We have seen the damage these drugs can do throughout the ongoing opioid crisis. Prescribing medical cannabis to treat chronic pain protects injured workers from the hazards associated with these dangerous and harmful medications.”

Definitions of "Identification card," "Medical marijuana," and "Patient" are used in HB 1766 according to Pennsylvania’s Medical Marijuana Act of 2016.

Representative Delloso continued by stating, “My legislation would require employers to reimburse prescribed medical cannabis for qualifying workers receiving workers’ compensation benefits. Such usage must be certified under the Medical Marijuana Act and has been approved by the Department of Health for use in treating chronic pain under the Commonwealth’s medical cannabis program.”

HB 1766 is also titled, "An act defining the liability of an employer to pay damages for injuries received by an employe in the course of employment; establishing an elective schedule of compensation; providing procedure for the determination of liability and compensation thereunder; and prescribing penalties.”

Additional sponsors of HB 1766 include Representatives Carol Hill-Evans, Jeanne McNeill, Tarik Khan, Tarah Probst, Benjamin Sanchez, and Keith Harris (3).

“Permitting medical cannabis to be used in the treatment of chronic pain management for injured workers not only helps workers but provides relief to their families,” Delloso added. “Families can take comfort in knowing their loved one’s pain is controlled without fear of addiction and the rapidly rising medical bills associated with opioids.”

The act would take effect within 60 of passing. On August 4, the bill was referred to the committee on Labor & Industry in the House.

References

1. The General Assembly of Pennsylvania House Bill 1766. https://www.palegis.us/legislation/bills/text/PDF/2025/0/HB1766/PN2175 (accessed Aug. 11, 2025).
2. Representative David Delloso. Workers’ Compensation Coverage of Prescribed Medical Cannabis (Formerly HB 1079) https://www.palegis.us/house/co-sponsorship/memo?memoID=47159 (accessed Aug. 11, 2025).
3. Pennsylvania General Assembly. House Bill 1766 https://www.palegis.us/legislation/bills/2025/hb1766 (accessed Aug. 11, 2025).