Mother of girl with epilepsy appointed to Medical Marijuana Advisory Board

HARRISBURG — House Speaker Mike Turzai (R-Allegheny) has appointed Jennifer Shuckrow to the Pennsylvania Medical Marijuana Advisory Board.
Shuckrow is a 1994 graduate of the University of Pittsburgh School of Law, a former practicing attorney and college administrator, and the mother of a child with an intractable form of epilepsy.
“Jennifer will bring an objective, commonsense perspective to the new state Medical Marijuana Advisory Board,” Turzai said. “Jennifer’s legal background and firsthand experience with her daughter make her a uniquely qualified candidate for this role.”
Shuckrow and her family live in Pittsburgh, where she currently serves on the Board of Trustees for the Western Pennsylvania School for Blind Children. She and her husband, Alan, are the parents of two children, Zach and Abby.
“Looking at this from a broad perspective, we need to ensure the law is implemented in a thoughtful and judicious manner, while also addressing the needs of suffering Pennsylvanians — both kids and adults,” Shuckrow said.
By statute, the Pennsylvania Medical Marijuana Advisory Board is comprised of 15 members who are knowledgeable and experienced in issues relating to the care and treatment of individuals with serious medical conditions; geriatric or pediatric medicine; or clinical research. Turzai, as speaker of the House, is responsible for the appointment of one board member.
The board’s mission is to review Pennsylvania’s newly created medical marijuana program, gather evidence from other states with medical marijuana programs, and work with key stakeholder groups. The board must submit a report summarizing its findings, including policy recommendations, to the General Assembly and the governor. The report is due by May 17, 2018.