Pennsylvania: cannabis legalization bill tabled

Two Pennsylvania state senators announced Wednesday that they would introduce a bipartisan bill to legalize Cannabis intended for adults, which «prioritizes safety, community reinvestment, social and economic equity, and agriculture, and generates vital tax revenue for the Commonwealth»

«As the marijuana movement reaches Pennsylvania, legalization must be done the right way,» said Dan Laughlin, the Republican senator who is sponsoring the bill alongside Democratic Senator Sharif Street.

«This bill ensures that a legalized market in the Commonwealth is implemented in a safe and responsible manner, with a thoughtful approach that provides opportunities for medical and recreational consumers, farmers, and minority-owned businesses.»

The bill plans The decriminalization of cannabis possession for adults and the expungement of past non-violent cannabis convictions. Cannabis production and distribution would be regulated and taxed. The bill also creates social and economic equity licenses for cannabis businesses and requires that the majority of new licenses be granted to applicants from minority groups.

The measure also protects the existing medical cannabis industry by allowing licensees to help meet the demand for recreational cannabis on an accelerated timeline. Registered patients would also be allowed to grow up to five cannabis plants at home.

A reform supported by the governor of Pennsylvania

Earlier this year, Governor Tom Wolf called on state lawmakers to prioritize the legalization of cannabis for adult use during the new legislative session, noting that neighboring countries have already taken action on this issue.

«In 2017, Pennsylvania legalized medical cannabis through bipartisan legislation,» said written Wolf’s office in an announcement of his 2021 agenda. «Now that our neighbors are moving toward the legalization of recreational cannabis, Pennsylvania cannot afford to be left behind. The legalization of cannabis for adult use enjoys strong bipartisan support among Pennsylvanians.»

The governor added that social and economic changes could be facilitated by the tax revenue generated by the legalization of cannabis.

«The revenue generated by legalization will be used to support historically disadvantaged small businesses through grants and provide them with the assistance they need to recover from the economic crisis and strengthen our economy,» he continued.

«In addition, a portion of the revenue will support restorative justice programs to help individuals and communities that have been harmed by the criminalization of cannabis.»

A bill to legalize cannabis in Pennsylvania had already been filed in 2019.