Proponents of legalizing marijuana hold a rally on the Harrisburg Capitol steps to remind state lawmakers of the need for cannabis reform.
14 June 2021.
[email protected] Dan Gleiter
Experts from all around North America have spoken to them. They have seen neighboring states legalize marijuana for recreational use.
Two members of the House are now drafting legislation to legalize marijuana for recreational use throughout the Commonwealth.
State Representatives Dan Frankel, D-Allegheny, and Rick Krajewski, D-Philadelphia, said Monday that they are seeking sponsors for what they are describing as historic marijuana legislation that could bring in a lot of money and benefit communities that have been negatively impacted by the war on drugs.
Experts in public health have spoken to us. Advocates for social justice and criminal justice have spoken to us. As the chairman of a Health subcommittee, Krajewski convened five hearings on the topic this past session. He said, “We’ve learned directly from states across the country how to get this done safely and efficiently, generating hundreds of millions of dollars in public revenue.” It’s time for Pennsylvania to advance before we regress farther.
According to Krajewski and Frankel, the state would create a robust market with an emphasis on public health, generate a sizable amount of state income, and assist people and communities who had been negatively impacted by laws that imposed severe penalties for the mere possession of marijuana.
According to Frankel, we have a moral duty to both legalize and attempt to undo the harm brought about by decades of marijuana arrests.
Five of Pennsylvania’s six neighbors are among the 24 states that have legalized marijuana for recreational use.
Numerous polls indicate that decriminalization is supported by both Pennsylvanians and the state’s governor, Josh Shapiro, who views marijuana as a potential cash crop that might bring in $250 million in five or six years.
Shapiro wants the state to be the first to place its agriculture department in charge of this new business. Shapiro asked for legalization and a 20% sales tax in his 2024 budget address.
Frankel promised that his legislation would shield Pennsylvania from problems that other states have had as a result of lax regulation and legal action from out-of-state cannabis businesses.
According to legislators, the bill would include:
Stories by
Amy Worden
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