Pennsylvania Medical Cannabis Program Audit Calls for Increased Oversight

A performance report covering the Pennsylvania medical cannabis program published last week by the Department of the Auditor General found that the program is lacking proper oversight.

Auditor General Timothy L. DeFoor highlighted two key findings in the report — that Department of Health officials currently lack the controls needed to ensure consistent inspections and enforcement actions, and that there is inadequate infrastructure for handling complaints or implementing correction plans.

The audit covered January 1, 2024, to December 31, 2024.

“Our audit evaluated how DOH conducted inspections, responded to complaints and took enforcement action regarding grower/processors and dispensaries – the first time anyone has done so since the program was implemented in 2016. We found a lack of internal controls and inadequate approval processes which can ultimately reduce the effectiveness of DOH’s oversight of the program. Inconsistent procedures may allow issues to go uncorrected and lead to unsafe conditions within facilities or products. Hundreds of thousands of Pennsylvanians rely on the program to be safe, secure and trustworthy, so it’s up to these regulators to ensure proper procedures are in place.” — Auditor General DeFoor, in a statement

Recommendations from the audit include setting up a standardized inspection checklist, creating standard operating procedures for inspections, and implementing a formal documentation process.

Auditor General DeFoor noted, “To their credit, DOH agreed with our findings and they are already working to implement some of our recommendations.”

“I’d like to sincerely thank the department for their cooperation throughout this audit process,” DeFoor said. “We’re grateful that they have already taken steps to ensure the program continues to serve those who need it most.”