Pennsylvania Governor Says State is “Losing Out” by Keeping Marijuana Illegal
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro has emphasized that the state is “losing out” to neighboring states that have legalized marijuana, as lawmakers consider proposals to legalize the drug. Shapiro, a Democrat, has included a proposal to legalize marijuana for adult use in his latest budget request.
“I think it’s an issue of freedom and liberty. I mean, if folks want to smoke, they should be able to do so in a safe and legal way,” Shapiro said in a video released on Monday. “We should shut down the black market—and, by the way, every state around us is doing it. Pennsylvanians are driving to those other states and paying taxes in those other states. It’s time we get some of that revenue here.”
Shapiro previously opposed legalization, but has since changed his perspective after listening to people and learning more about the issue. He acknowledged that he struggled with the idea as a father and former prosecutor, but now believes that legalization is the right approach.
Pennsylvania is one of the few states in the country that has not legalized marijuana for recreational use. However, the state has a medical marijuana program, and some lawmakers are pushing for legalization.
A recent poll found that nearly 7 in 10 voters in Pennsylvania support legalizing marijuana, including a majority of Republicans. The survey also found that 63% of voters want to see the legislature enact legalization this year, rather than delaying it.
Despite the growing support for legalization, some lawmakers have expressed skepticism about the governor’s ability to see through the reform he is proposing. Senate President Pro Tempore Kim Ward, a Republican, said that the governor needs to lead on the issue and cannot simply throw out an idea and expect the legislature to figure it out.
House Minority Leader, a Republican, also expressed skepticism, saying that the governor needs to bring lawmakers together to find a solution.
Despite the challenges, some lawmakers are optimistic about the prospects for legalization. Senate Appropriations Committee Chair Scott Martin, a Republican, said that he expects to take up legislation this year that would make Pennsylvania the 25th state to legalize adult-use marijuana.
Reps. Dan Frankel and Rick Krajewski, both Democrats, have announced plans to introduce legislation to legalize marijuana, and some lawmakers are pushing for a state-run sales model.
The debate over legalization in Pennsylvania is ongoing, with some lawmakers pushing for a more incremental approach, such as decriminalization, while others are advocating for full legalization.
