Medical Cannabis Companies Invest $1.6 Million in Lobbying as Pennsylvania Weighs Recreational Sales

HARRISBURG — Pro-cannabis interests poured at least $1.6 million into lobbying the Pennsylvania legislature in 2024, as lawmakers debated a legalization plan that could generate significant profits for existing dispensaries and growers.

Governor Shapiro Pushes for Legalization to Generate Billions in Revenue

Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro has made legalizing recreational cannabis a key part of his latest budget proposal, arguing that the state could see $1.3 billion in revenue over the first five years of implementation. However, turning this vision into reality requires support from a divided legislature, with Democrats controlling the state House and Republicans holding a majority in the state Senate.

House Democrats Consider State-Owned Cannabis Stores While Senate Republicans Remain Hesitant

In the Democratic-controlled House, there is broad support for legalization, though lawmakers are still working to find consensus on how the industry should be structured. Some House Democrats propose selling recreational cannabis through state-owned stores, similar to Pennsylvania’s liquor distribution model, which they believe would maximize state revenue and prevent monopolization by large corporations.

In contrast, many Senate Republicans remain skeptical, raising concerns about public health and safety. Despite this resistance, legalization advocates in the legislature continue to put forward different proposals for how to regulate the industry.

Bipartisan Senate Bill Would Give Existing Medical Dispensaries a Head Start in the Recreational Market

One proposal, introduced last session by State Sens. Dan Laughlin (R., Erie) and Sharif Street (D., Philadelphia), would allow current medical cannabis dispensaries to expand into the recreational market. Pennsylvania’s 186 medical dispensaries, run by just over 40 companies, have already generated nearly $7 billion in sales from 2020 to 2024.

This bill would have granted existing medical dispensaries the ability to sell to recreational consumers within six months of legalization, even if regulatory guidelines were still being finalized, in exchange for a $25,000 licensing fee. It also would have allowed these companies to double their capacity by applying for additional recreational permits, with only four new sellers permitted to enter the market initially.

Laughlin has stated he plans to reintroduce a legalization bill in the current legislative session, though he has not confirmed whether it will mirror his previous proposal.

Cannabis Giants Spend Hundreds of Thousands on Lobbying and Campaign Contributions

With so much at stake, major cannabis corporations—including multistate operators like Trulieve and Cresco Labs—invested heavily in lobbying efforts to shape Pennsylvania’s cannabis policy in 2024. A Spotlight PA analysis of public lobbying disclosures found that 26 cannabis-related companies and trade groups spent over $1.6 million in total lobbying efforts.

Of that amount, more than $800,000 came from multistate cannabis operators, 19 of which already have a presence in Pennsylvania. While lobbying disclosures reveal total expenditures, they do not specify which lawmakers or legislation were targeted or provide detailed breakdowns of how the money was spent.

The biggest spender was Trulieve, a company operating in nine states, which invested over $210,000 in lobbying efforts, including $165,000 on direct communications with lawmakers and $45,000 on indirect outreach such as public campaigns.

Following closely was the Pennsylvania Cannabis Coalition, a trade group representing medical marijuana permit holders, which spent $171,720 on lobbying in 2024. Executive Director Meredith Buettner defended the spending, calling it a reflection of the state’s “rapidly expanding cannabis industry.” The coalition focused its lobbying efforts on modernizing Pennsylvania’s medical cannabis program and advocating for adult-use legalization.

Advocates Warn That Corporate Interests Are Driving Legalization Efforts

Chris Goldstein, a Pennsylvania-based advocate with the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML), noted that corporate lobbying in cannabis legalization is unsurprising. He pointed out that businesses are eager to secure a “first mover advantage”—establishing themselves in the market before further regulations can be imposed.

Patrick Nightingale, a criminal defense attorney and medical marijuana advocate, expressed concern that grassroots activists who once led the charge for legalization have been sidelined by corporate interests. “Grassroots activists are not running the show here; this is something that paid lobbyists are heavily invested in,” he said. “I don’t think we’re the ones getting the ball across the goal line.”

Cannabis Industry Also Donates Big to Key Lawmakers’ Campaign Funds

Beyond lobbying, cannabis companies and their executives made significant political donations to Pennsylvania lawmakers in 2024. Corporate executives funneled hundreds of thousands of dollars into campaign funds, aiming to influence key decision-makers.

Benjamin Kovler, CEO and founder of Green Thumb Industries—a Chicago-based cannabis retailer and cultivator—personally contributed $45,000 to Pennsylvania’s top politicians. The bulk of his contributions, $25,000, went to Gov. Shapiro, while the remaining $20,000 was split between state House Majority Leader Matt Bradford (D., Montgomery) and Senate President Pro Tempore Kim Ward (R., Westmoreland).

Other Green Thumb executives also contributed heavily. Company President Anthony Georgiadis donated $10,000 each to Senate Majority Leader Joe Pittman (R., Indiana) and Sen. Dan Laughlin, who chairs the influential Law and Justice Committee and has been a longtime advocate for cannabis legalization.

The Future of Legal Cannabis in Pennsylvania Remains Uncertain

With legalization advocates, corporate players, and political leaders all vying for influence, Pennsylvania’s path to legal recreational cannabis remains unclear. While the financial stakes are high, questions linger about whether the final policy will prioritize small businesses, social equity, and public health—or simply create a market dominated by well-funded cannabis conglomerates.

As lawmakers continue to debate the issue in 2024, both supporters and opponents of legalization will be watching closely to see who ultimately shapes Pennsylvania’s cannabis future.