Pennsylvania Lawmakers Introduce Cannabis Legalization Bill Ahead of Committee Hearing

Just ahead of a pivotal committee meeting on cannabis reform in Pennsylvania, House lawmakers have unveiled a bill aimed at legalizing marijuana—a measure grounded in safety and social equity, according to its lead sponsor.

Representative Amen Brown (D) is championing this legislation, which mirrors a bipartisan Senate cannabis legalization measure introduced last year. The bill was introduced on Tuesday with five cosponsors, strategically timed two days before the Health Subcommittee on Health Care’s scheduled meeting on cannabis legalization.

At last month’s hearing, committee members delved into the criminal justice ramifications of prohibition and explored the potential benefits of reform. This week’s meeting will focus on social equity issues related to legalization, with expert testimonies from various organizations and stakeholders.

Rep. Brown emphasized that the proposed legislation prioritizes safety by setting the minimum cannabis consumption age at 21 and implements measures to deter underage access and illicit market activities. Furthermore, the bill enforces strict regulations against marketing directed towards children and outlines workplace requirements for cannabis use.

The bill also includes provisions for limited home cultivation for medical cannabis patients, social equity licensing, and expungement of prior cannabis convictions—a critical step towards rectifying the injustices of past prohibition.

In advocating for legalization, Rep. Brown highlights the economic imperative, citing neighboring states’ successful implementation of adult-use cannabis laws. He emphasizes the potential tax revenue and job creation opportunities that legalization could bring to Pennsylvania, urging lawmakers to act swiftly to avoid losing out on these benefits.

The proposed cannabis legalization bill encompasses several key provisions:

• Legalization for adults aged 21 and older, permitting possession and gifting of up to 30 grams of cannabis.
• Establishment of a Cannabis Regulation Fund to manage tax revenue, covering administrative costs and providing economic relief to municipalities and the state general fund.
• Prohibition of youth-targeted marketing and implementation of workplace requirements for marijuana use.
• Expungement of prior cannabis convictions and prioritization of social and economic equity in licensing.
• Empowerment of law enforcement to address impaired driving and combat the illicit market.
• State-level protections against the loss of gun rights over cannabis use.

As Pennsylvania lawmakers weigh the merits of cannabis legalization, this bill represents a significant step towards comprehensive reform, grounded in principles of safety, equity, and economic opportunity.