Bipartisan Bill Filed to Legalize Recreational Cannabis in Pennsylvania

A bipartisan duo of Pennsylvania lawmakers, Republican Rep. Kaufer and Democratic Rep. Emily Kinkade, introduced House Bill 2500 last week, aiming to legalize recreational marijuana for adults. The bill would allow adults aged 21 and older to possess up to 30 grams of cannabis and enable medical marijuana patients to grow up to five plants at home. It also includes criminal justice reforms, economic provisions for small businesses, and a tax framework, with revenues supporting drug treatment, local governments, and the state’s medical marijuana program.

Economic Impact and Job Creation

The cannabis advocacy group Responsible PA highlighted an economic analysis predicting the bill could generate 30,000 new jobs and $420 million in recurring tax revenue annually. The bill has drawn praise from advocates for balancing economic opportunity with social justice initiatives, such as expunging past marijuana-related convictions.

Legislative Momentum

With increasing support for marijuana legalization across Pennsylvania and neighboring states, proponents urge the legislature to pass the bill when it reconvenes. Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro has also endorsed the reform, emphasizing the need for responsible regulation and taxation of cannabis.