Pennsylvania Senators Introduce Bill to Legalize Adult-Use Marijuana
Two Pennsylvania state senators, Republican Dan Laughlin and Democrat Sharif Street, have proposed a bill to legalize adult-use marijuana in the state. The legislation aims to regulate the use, cultivation, and sale of marijuana, while also establishing an independent cannabis control board.
Under the proposed bill, adults 21 and older would be allowed to use marijuana responsibly, with age verification required for all purchases. The bill would also impose penalties for underage use or public consumption, and prohibit marketing to children. Additionally, product testing and labeling requirements would be implemented to ensure consumer safety.
The Cannabis Control Board would be responsible for overseeing the industry, including licensing and enforcement, seed-to-sale tracking, and public health education. Current medical marijuana permit holders would be allowed to expand into the adult-use market, while new entrants would be prioritized, including small businesses and applicants from disproportionately impacted communities.
The bill would also create permits for new entrants, provide grant and low-interest loan access through the Department of Community and Economic Development, and allocate tax revenue to public safety, medical cannabis assistance, and drug prevention programs, as well as workforce development, equity grants, and the state’s General Fund.
Furthermore, the bill includes provisions to expunge non-violent cannabis offenses, decriminalize certain cannabis-related activities, and maintain employer rights to enforce drug-free workplace policies.
Pennsylvania is one of the few remaining states that has not legalized recreational adult-use marijuana, with 24 states, including many of its neighboring states, having already done so. The proposed bill aims to bring Pennsylvania in line with its neighboring states and provide a safer and more regulated industry for consumers.
