Pennsylvania Lawmakers Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Legalize Recreational Marijuana
A bipartisan duo of Pennsylvania lawmakers has introduced a bill to legalize recreational marijuana in the state. The legislation, sponsored by Republican Representative Kaufer and Democratic Representative Emily Kinkade, aims to regulate the production and sale of adult-use cannabis and medical marijuana.
The bill, House Bill 2500, would allow adults aged 21 and older to possess and purchase up to 30 grams of marijuana. Medical marijuana patients would be allowed to grow up to five cannabis plants at home, but recreational use would not be permitted. The bill also includes provisions to prioritize small businesses, including those owned by veterans, women, and minorities, as well as companies located in rural areas of Pennsylvania.
The legislation would also establish a “clean slate” policy for those with marijuana-related convictions, allowing for expungements, commutations, and resentencing. Additionally, the bill would dedicate 30% of tax revenue generated by cannabis sales to a Cannabis Regulation Fund, 30% to a Cannabis Business Establishment Fund, 15% to the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency, and 10% to drug treatment programs.
The bill’s introduction comes as Pennsylvania’s neighboring states have already legalized recreational marijuana. According to an economic analysis conducted by FTI Consulting, the legislation could create 30,000 new jobs and generate $4.2 billion in economic output in the first year.
Responsible PA, a cannabis legalization advocacy group, hailed the introduction of the bill, citing the need for Pennsylvania to catch up with its neighboring states. “The majority of Pennsylvanians want a legal, adult-use market, and the majority of states surrounding Pennsylvania have legalized marijuana,” said Brittany Crampsie, the group’s spokesperson.
If the legislation passes, Pennsylvania would join the 24 states that have legalized recreational marijuana for adults. The bill is expected to be considered by the Pennsylvania House of Representatives in the coming months.
