Pennsylvania: new bill to legalize cannabis focuses on social justice

A bill to legalize cannabis in Pennsylvania was officially introduced last Tuesday. The House members behind the initiative stressed that the plan is to enact a policy shift that prioritizes social justice for communities most affected by the war on drugs.

Democratic representatives Jake Wheatley and Dan Frankel presented their project at a press conference.

«You've heard me speak again and again, year after year, about this important issue. For some, it's an economic issue. For others, it's a question of access and opportunity. But the basis of why I've pushed this issue for as long as I have is the social aspect and criminal justice reform,» explained Jake Wheatley.

I've introduced a bill to legalize the adult use of cannabis. Not only would it create jobs and generate much-needed revenue, but it would also eliminate the aggressive enforcement of simple marijuana possession laws in marginalized communities. pic.twitter.com/Nfd0qhk0hL

- Jake Wheatley (@RepWheatley) September 28, 2021

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Under the proposal, adults 21 and over would be able to purchase and possess up to one ounce (28 grams) of cannabis. Individuals could receive a home cultivation permit to grow up to three flowering and three growing plants.

Those convicted of cannabis-related offenses would have their criminal records automatically expunged, and those currently incarcerated for cannabis-related offenses made legal by the measure would be released.

An excise tax of 13% would be imposed on cannabis sales, with 15% of the revenue earmarked for community reinvestment, 15% for addiction treatment programs and 70% for the state's general fund.

«The most important part of this legislation aims to undo some of the damage caused by generations of harmful policy in this area,» said Jake Wheatley.

Introduction to the bill HB 2050 comes at a time when a bipartisan duo in the Senate is also developing separate legislation to legalize cannabis in the state of Pennsylvania. Senators Sharif Street and Dan Laughlin announced some details of the proposal earlier this year, but the bill has yet to be formally introduced.

Meanwhile, state Attorney General Josh Shapiro pointed out on Tuesday that Pennsylvania lags behind other states in cannabis reform.

«New York has legalized marijuana. New Jersey has legalized marijuana,» he said in a tweet. «It's time for Pennsylvania to join its neighbors and legalize marijuana. But let me be clear: we must simultaneously expunge the records of those serving time for non-violent marijuana-related convictions - and that's non-negotiable.»

NY has legalized marijuana. NJ has legalized marijuana. It's time for PA to join our neighbors, and legalize marijuana.

But let me be clear: We must simultaneously expunge the records of those serving time for non-violent marijuana convictions - and that is non-negotiable.

- Josh Shapiro (@JoshShapiroPA) September 28, 2021