Pennsylvania Senator Introduces ‘Keystone Cannabis Act’ to Legalize Adult-Use Cannabis

LOS ANGELES- Pennsylvania State Senator Marty Flynn (D-22) has announced plans to introduce the “Keystone Cannabis Act,” a legislative proposal aimed at legalizing adult-use cannabis in the Commonwealth. The announcement follows the recent rejection of a House-passed cannabis legalization bill by the state Senate’s Law and Justice Committee.

The Keystone Cannabis Act seeks to establish a regulated framework for the cultivation, distribution, and retail sale of cannabis to adults aged 21 and over. Under the proposed legislation, an independent commission comprising representatives from the Departments of Health, Agriculture, Community and Economic Development, the Attorney General’s office, and the State Police would oversee the cannabis industry.

A significant component of the bill is the creation of the Commonwealth Community Reinvestment and Infrastructure Fund. This fund would allocate an estimated $500 million in annual cannabis tax revenue toward revitalizing rural and urban communities, infrastructure projects, and grants supporting law enforcement, public health, and educational programs focused on substance use prevention and mental health.

The legislation also emphasizes social equity by prioritizing cannabis business licenses for individuals from communities disproportionately affected by prior cannabis prohibition. Additionally, it proposes pathways for expunging certain cannabis-related criminal records.

Senator Flynn’s proposal comes amid ongoing debates over the structure of cannabis legalization in Pennsylvania. Earlier this month, the state House passed a bill (HB 1200) that would have established state-run cannabis stores managed by the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board. However, this approach faced opposition in the Senate, leading to its rejection.

Governor Josh Shapiro has expressed support for cannabis legalization, including it in his budget proposal and highlighting the potential for significant tax revenue. Despite this, the path forward remains uncertain, with differing opinions among lawmakers on the best regulatory model for the state.