Pennsylvania Senator Introduces New Marijuana Legalization Bill After Committee Rejects House-Passed Proposal
Pennsylvania Senator Marty Flynn (D) has announced plans to introduce a new bill to legalize marijuana in the state, following the rejection of a House-passed proposal by a Senate committee. The new bill, known as the Keystone Cannabis Act, would establish a responsible framework for the cultivation, distribution, and retail sales of marijuana to adults aged 21 and over.
The bill would place regulatory responsibility in the hands of state Departments of Health, Agriculture, and Community and Economic Development, as well as the attorney general and state police. It would also create a Commonwealth Community Reinvestment and Infrastructure Fund, using marijuana tax revenue to support the revitalization of rural areas, infrastructure initiatives, and local grants for law enforcement, public health, and educational programs focused on substance use prevention and mental health.
The bill would prioritize cannabis business licensing for individuals from communities disproportionately impacted by prohibition and create a pathway for expunging past marijuana records. It would also contain strict labeling, packaging, and testing standards for cannabis products, as well as funding for public education campaigns and substance misuse treatment.
Flynn emphasized that the bill represents a “commonsense opportunity to modernize our cannabis laws” and deliver lasting economic benefits to communities across the state while balancing individual liberty with public safety. He noted that the bill would also help eliminate the black market and improve consumer safety.
The introduction of the new bill comes as other Pennsylvania Democratic lawmakers are working to reach a compromise on marijuana legalization over the next few weeks. The House-passed proposal, which was rejected by the Senate committee, would have established a state-run model for cannabis sales.
Governor Josh Shapiro (D) has criticized the GOP-controlled Senate for “ignoring” the will of voters and rejecting the House-passed bill. He has repeatedly called for adult-use marijuana legalization and has included it in his budget request for the third time this year.
Despite the ongoing debate, a recent poll found that Pennsylvania voters favor a model where cannabis is sold by licensed private businesses, rather than through a system of state-run stores. The poll also showed that a majority of adults in the state support marijuana legalization, with opposition to the policy change falling by nearly 50 percent over the last decade.
The Senate Majority Leader, Joe Pittman (R), has expressed skepticism about the prospects for marijuana legalization, stating that he does not see consensus among lawmakers and the governor to prioritize the issue.
