Pennsylvania Lawmakers Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Legalize Recreational Cannabis

LOS ANGELES- A bipartisan group of Pennsylvania lawmakers introduced a bill last week to legalize recreational cannabis for adults. The legislation, known as House Bill 2500, was sponsored by Republican Rep. Aaron Kaufer and Democratic Rep. Emily Kinkead, with 15 additional cosponsors. If passed, it would legalize cannabis for adults over the age of 21 and regulate its sale through the state’s Department of Agriculture.

Under the proposed legislation, adults would be allowed to possess up to 30 grams of cannabis. Medical cannabis patients could grow up to five plants, though home cultivation would not be allowed for recreational users. The bill includes provisions aimed at supporting small businesses, particularly those owned by veterans, women, minorities, and rural entrepreneurs.

The legislation would impose an 8% sales tax and a 5% excise tax on recreational cannabis, with tax revenue allocated to various state programs, including public safety, drug treatment, and local governments. Additionally, a “clean slate” policy would allow for the expungement of cannabis-related convictions.

Economic projections from FTI Consulting suggest the bill could create 30,000 jobs and generate $420 million in annual tax revenue for Pennsylvania. The bill also seeks to address social equity concerns while building on the regulatory framework established under the state’s medical cannabis program, which was legalized in 2016.

This effort comes as many neighboring states, including Ohio, New York, and New Jersey, have already legalized adult-use cannabis. Pennsylvania’s legislative session runs until November 30, during which time lawmakers will debate the bill.

Governor Josh Shapiro has expressed support for cannabis legalization, including it in his 2024 budget proposal. Should the bill pass, Pennsylvania would become the 25th state to legalize recreational cannabis.