Pennsylvania Senators Introduce Bill to Legalize Adult-Use Marijuana
Two Pennsylvania state senators, Dan Laughlin (R) and Sharif Street (D), have announced plans to introduce legislation to legalize marijuana for adults 21 and older. The bill, which aims to regulate the use, cultivation, and sales of marijuana, would establish an independent cannabis control board to oversee the industry.
Under the proposed legislation, adults 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, as well as ban marketing to children. Additionally, product testing and labeling requirements would be implemented to ensure consumer safety.
The Cannabis Control Board would be responsible for 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, and new entrants would be prioritized for 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 would include Clean Slate provisions to expunge non-violent cannabis offenses, decriminalize certain cannabis-related activities, and maintain employer rights to enforce drug-free workplace policies.
Pennsylvania would join 24 other states in legalizing recreational adult-use marijuana, with many of its closest neighbors already having done so. The proposed legislation aims to ensure safety, accountability, and fairness in the marijuana industry, while also lifting up communities impacted by prohibition.
