Pennsylvania One Step Closer to Legalizing Recreational Marijuana
A bill aimed at legalizing recreational marijuana in Pennsylvania has cleared the state’s House Health Committee, moving one step closer to becoming law. The Cannabis Health & Safety Act, also known as HB1200, was approved with a 14-12 party-line vote and will now be considered by the full Pennsylvania House of Representatives.
The bill’s sponsor, Representative Rick Krajewski, believes the time is right for Pennsylvania to follow in the footsteps of 24 other states that have already legalized recreational marijuana. “We’ve listened to public health experts, criminal justice reformers, small business advocates, and community leaders, and our bill reflects what we’ve learned – that we can and must legalize cannabis in a way that is safe, equitable, and beneficial to all Pennsylvanians,” Krajewski said.
The Cannabis Health & Safety Act prioritizes several key areas, including:
* Clearing criminal records and promoting restorative justice for those affected by cannabis-related offenses
* Reinvesting tax revenue into communities harmed by the War on Drugs
* Implementing public health protections, such as THC limits, marketing restrictions, and child safety measures
* Creating pathways for diverse and local entrepreneurs to participate in the cannabis market
* Maximizing state revenue and accountability through publicly owned and accountable retail stores
If passed, the bill would bring Pennsylvania in line with neighboring states New Jersey and Delaware, which have already legalized recreational marijuana. Medical marijuana has been legal in Pennsylvania since 2016, but recreational use remains illegal. Governor Josh Shapiro’s budget proposal includes new revenue from legalized marijuana sales, which could further support the bill’s passage.
