Bipartisan Pennsylvania Lawmakers Propose Cannabia Legalization Bill Amid Ohio’s Market Launch

Bipartisan Pennsylvania lawmakers have announced their intent to file a new bill to legalize recreational marijuana, seeking support from colleagues amid a revived push for reform in the legislature. This move comes as neighboring states, including Ohio, advance towards opening legal cannabis markets.

Cosponsorship Memo Highlights

In a cosponsorship memo circulated on Monday, Reps. Aaron Kaufer (R) and Emily Kinkead (D) emphasized the growing trend of state-level legalization, noting that Ohio is “primed to open their market with the lion’s share of their licenses perched on the border of Pennsylvania as they seek to capture Pennsylvania dollars into their market.”

“Accordingly, we believe that now is the time for Pennsylvania to move in a similar direction and our bill establishes strong tenets for an adult-use market,” they stated.

Proposed Legislation Details

While the text of the legislation is not yet available, Kaufer and Kinkead outlined key components of the bill. It aims to create a regulated cannabis market under the state Department of Agriculture, prioritize social equity and small businesses, enact safeguards to deter youth use, and generate tax revenue for law enforcement and local governments.

“We hope this bill will act as a strong starting point for discussions around legalizing adult-use cannabis in a thoughtful and strategic way,” the memo reads. “Please join us in cosponsoring this important piece of legislation.”

Commitment to Responsible Regulation

Kaufer emphasized in a press release that the bill underscores a commitment to responsible regulation of the cannabis industry while addressing the diverse needs of Pennsylvania’s communities. “By prioritizing public safety and consumer protection, this legislation will build on the successful regulatory structure of the state’s medical cannabis program, continuing stringent standards for product quality, packaging, and labeling to ensure the well-being of all consumers,” he said.

Addressing the War on Drugs

Kinkead added that it’s “well past time for the Commonwealth to legalize cannabis for recreational use, address the injustices of the failed War on Drugs, and ensure that Pennsylvanians can benefit from this industry in the same way our neighboring states have.”

“Our bipartisan effort to provide specific language that takes the best practices from other states is the next substantial step in finally getting this done,” she said.

Recent Advocacy Efforts

The memo’s distribution follows a cannabis rally at the Pennsylvania State Capitol, where Democratic lawmakers emphasized the need to incorporate social equity provisions in the legalization process. At a separate event organized by ResponsiblePA, Sen. Dan Laughlin (R) highlighted the need for collaboration between House and Senate leaders and the governor to finalize the legalization effort.

Support from State Officials

Warren County District Attorney Robert Greene, a registered medical cannabis patient, also spoke in support of legalization. He has previously filed a lawsuit to overturn a ban preventing medical marijuana patients from buying and possessing firearms.

The governor’s office has stated that the Biden administration’s move to federally reschedule marijuana “adds support” for legalizing cannabis in Pennsylvania.

Legislative Developments

In April, two Pennsylvania House panels held a joint hearing to discuss marijuana legalization, with multiple lawmakers exploring the possibility of the state’s top liquor regulator running cannabis shops.

Tracking Cannabis Legislation

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