Pennsylvania House Passes Bill to Legalize Recreational Marijuana, Bringing State Closer to Ending Prohibition

New Legislation Prioritizes Public Health, Economic Equity, and Community Reinvestment

The Pennsylvania House of Representatives has passed a landmark bill to legalize adult-use recreational marijuana, signaling a major step forward in the state’s ongoing effort to reform cannabis laws. The legislation, championed by Democratic Representatives Rick Krajewski and Dan Frankel, outlines a comprehensive framework that focuses on public health, social equity, and economic development, while preserving the existing medical cannabis program.

Bill Includes Expungement of Low-Level Cannabis Offenses and Investments in Restorative Justice

One of the defining features of the bill is its emphasis on repairing the harms of past drug policies. If enacted, it would automatically expunge criminal records for low-level cannabis offenses—a move advocates hail as a necessary step toward restorative justice. Tax revenue from legal cannabis sales would be funneled directly into programs designed to uplift communities disproportionately impacted by the war on drugs.

Cannabis Health and Safety Act Projects Over $2 Billion in Revenue Within Two Years

Dubbed the Cannabis Health and Safety Act, the legislation would establish a tightly regulated hybrid marketplace projected to generate over $2.2 billion in state revenue within the first two years. This economic windfall is expected to support public services, infrastructure, and job creation while fostering a safer and more transparent cannabis market.

Bill Includes Strict Public Health Protections: THC Limits, Marketing Rules, and Safety Measures

The legislation also lays out rigorous public health protections. These include limits on THC potency, child-proof packaging, and restrictions on marketing tactics that might appeal to minors. It further introduces safety measures aimed at reducing accidental ingestion and ensuring informed consumption.

House Health Committee Chair Dan Frankel Calls It a Win for Common Sense and Public Health

“This is a victory for common sense, public health and communities who have paid the highest price under prohibition,” said Rep. Dan Frankel, chair of the House Health Committee. “We cannot allow the missteps of other states to stop us from ending the harmful policies of cannabis prohibition. Instead, we have the opportunity to chart a new course that protects public health and benefits Pennsylvanians whether they use cannabis or not.”

Senate Now Holds the Key to Final Passage as Advocates Push for Bipartisan Support

With House approval secured, the bill now heads to the Republican-controlled Pennsylvania Senate, where its future remains uncertain. However, supporters are optimistic that growing bipartisan support for marijuana reform will help the measure gain traction.