Pennsylvania House Democrats are once again pushing for the legalization of marijuana in the state. Representatives Dan Frankel and Rick Krajewski are circulating a co-sponsorship memorandum for a bill that aims to legalize marijuana, expunge convictions for those affected by the state’s drug laws, and reinvest money into communities that have been disproportionately harmed by the war on drugs.
The bill also seeks to limit marijuana with excessive THC levels, prohibit predatory marketing and packaging, and prevent accidental use by children. Additionally, it aims to provide business opportunities in the cannabis industry in Pennsylvania.
Krajewski, who chaired the House Health Subcommittee on Health Care, has led five hearings to examine the successes and failures of cannabis programs in other states. He believes that Pennsylvania is falling behind other states that have already legalized recreational marijuana, and that it’s time to move forward with a safe and efficient system.
Frankel, who is majority chair of the House Health Committee, argues that the criminalization of cannabis has been disastrous for the commonwealth, particularly within communities of color. He believes that the state has a moral obligation to not only legalize but also to work to repair the damage caused by decades of marijuana arrests.
The bill is similar to a proposal included in Governor Josh Shapiro’s executive budget, which aims to legalize adult-use marijuana and generate an additional $250 million in annual revenue. Shapiro’s administration also wants to expunge records of those incarcerated for marijuana and use $5 million for restorative justice.
With 24 other states already legalizing recreational marijuana, including many that share a border with Pennsylvania, the push for legalization is gaining momentum. Public opinion polls show that cannabis decriminalization is popular among Pennsylvanians across all political parties.
