Pennsylvania lawmakers just returned from recess on Monday, September 16, and two lawmakers have already filed a new recreational cannabis legalization bill.
Reps. Aaron Kaufer (R) and Emily Kinkead (D) proposed the bill, also known as HB 2500. This isn’t the first cannabis legalization bill to enter Pennsylvania consideration, but lawmakers and cannabis advocates alike are hopeful for change. All of Pennsylvania’s border states (excluding West Virginia) have passed laws fully legalizing marijuana, leaving Pennsylvania trailing behind. The Keystone State has a medicinal cannabis program, but those who don’t have a medical card must look elsewhere for products — potentially leading them to the illicit market.
On Tuesday, Governor Josh Shapiro (D) again announced his support for adult-use cannabis legalization, stating that it makes economic sense. “There are Pennsylvanians who may be traveling out of state to purchase cannabis, and that’s, I think, something that we want to be focused on doing here in our commonwealth,” Shapiro said at a press conference.
With the governor’s support, HB 2500 may stand a chance. The bill would, naturally, legalize adult-use cannabis and impose taxes on these products. The tax revenue would then be distributed to areas with dispensaries, a cannabis business fund, law enforcement, and addiction treatment services.
This proposal includes several stipulations. For example, it would allow people with prior marijuana convictions to apply to get their records expunged, and state residents would be able to apply for low-interest loans and grants to start cannabis businesses with priority given to women, minorities, and veterans. An annual social equity report on the industry would be required to ensure equality.
So, what makes this proposal different from previous attempts? For one, the additional tax revenue is looking increasingly appealing to lawmakers. “There is never any appetite in the legislature to raise taxes. As far as recurring revenue that is non-tax based, this is one of the only options on the table right now,” said Brittany Crampsie, a spokesperson for a pro-cannabis lobbying group Responsible PA.
Additionally, Donald Trump recently announced his support for cannabis legalization, which may finally sway the opinions of some Republican lawmakers who have stood firm on the matter in years past.
Rep. Dan Frankel (D-Allegheny), a staunch cannabis legalization advocate spoke on the subject: “[We want] to determine the safest, most socially responsible, economically beneficial approach that will produce the best real benefits to those harmed under the current system and that can win enough votes to become law. We’ve held five hearings to learn from other states’ mistakes, which too often allowed the cannabis industry to write their own ticket — that’s not going to happen here [in] Pennsylvania.”
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