Pennsylvania Lawmaker Predicts Marijuana Legalization Will Pass This Summer
A key Pennsylvania lawmaker has expressed optimism that marijuana legalization will be approved by the state legislature this summer, citing the state’s “bleeding out revenue” to neighboring states that have already legalized the drug.
Rep. Dan Frankel, the chair of the House Health Committee, told KDKA Radio that he believes marijuana legalization is “inevitable” in Pennsylvania, given the state’s proximity to states that have already legalized the drug. He plans to introduce a legalization bill in the coming weeks.
Frankel’s comments come as Gov. Josh Shapiro has also expressed support for marijuana legalization, including including a proposal in his latest budget request. However, there are still questions about what form any potential legalization bill might take, with some lawmakers pushing for a state-run cannabis program and others advocating for a more limited approach.
Frankel emphasized the need to address the state’s revenue losses, as well as the criminal justice implications of marijuana prohibition. He noted that Pennsylvania is “literally surrounded by states that have legal adult-use cannabis,” and that the state is “bleeding out revenue” as a result.
“We have a budget that has to get passed by June 30, and this would be a significant revenue component,” Frankel said. “And I think that could be part of that discussion.”
Frankel’s proposal would likely include a criminal justice component, aimed at expunging records of those who have been criminalized for marijuana offenses. He also emphasized the need for a public health component, as well as significant revenue generation for the state.
A recent poll found that nearly 7 in 10 Pennsylvania voters support marijuana legalization, including a majority of Republicans. The poll also found that 63% of voters want to see the legislature enact legalization this year, rather than delaying it.
While there are still hurdles to overcome, Frankel’s comments suggest that marijuana legalization may be closer than ever in Pennsylvania.
