Rescheduling May Be Coming, But State Cannabis Models Matter More Than Ever, CEO Says

As Pennsylvania lawmakers debate how to set up a potential recreational cannabis market, Insa CEO and co-founder Peter Gallagher is clear about the company’s position. “Insa is strongly supportive of the private market model,” Gallagher told IgniteIt.

Insa launched its first medical dispensary in Newtown Square on Nov. 15, completing cultivation-to-retail vertical integration in Pennsylvania.

Vertical integration, Gallagher says, has allowed Insa to stay closely connected to patients. “We’re in business to make your days better,” he explained. “That means…curating a selection of the best products and brands offered in the state of Pennsylvania.”

Insa is now in search of two more locations permitted under SB773, in hopes of serving recreational cannabis consumers should legalization pass.

Pennsylvania legalized medical cannabis in 2016 via the Medical Marijuana Act. Even though public support for full legalization has expanded in recent years, recreational cannabis remains illegal statewide.

Gallagher said Pennsylvania shouldn’t ignore the expertise of operators already working effectively in the state’s medical program. “The private cannabis market has been operating compliantly and successfully…since its inception,” he noted. “It would be foolhardy to disregard that experience.”

He said collaboration with state regulators is important. “We balance innovation and regulatory compliance by maintaining an open and collaborative relationship with the Pennsylvania Department of Health,” Gallagher said.

On the federal level, he believes progress is real but slow. “It could take longer than expected to end the prohibition against cannabis,” he said, though recent comments about rescheduling are “encouraging.” He sees rescheduling to Schedule III as “the next big milestone.”

Gallagher highlighted Pennsylvania’s recent hemp crackdown, arguing it protects consumers from unsafe products. He considers the rise of synthetic cannabinoids like THCp and HHC a troubling trend.

“Hemp is a major public health crisis waiting to happen,” he warned, calling some sellers “really bad actors…selling dangerous products for financial gain.”