A bipartisan pair of lawmakers in Pennsylvania has introduced a new bill aimed at legalizing recreational marijuana in the state. Sponsored by Republican Representative Kaufer and Democratic Representative Emily Kinkade, the proposed legislation seeks to regulate both the production and sale of adult-use cannabis, as well as medical marijuana.
House Bill 2500 would permit adults aged 21 and over to possess and purchase up to 30 grams of marijuana. While medical marijuana patients could cultivate up to five cannabis plants at home, recreational cultivation would not be allowed. The bill also emphasizes support for small businesses, particularly those owned by veterans, women, and minorities, along with enterprises based in rural areas.
In addition, the legislation proposes a “clean slate” initiative for individuals with marijuana-related convictions, facilitating expungements, commutations, and resentencing. It allocates 30% of the tax revenue from cannabis sales to a Cannabis Regulation Fund, 30% to a Cannabis Business Establishment Fund, 15% to the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency, and 10% to drug treatment programs.
The introduction of this bill comes at a time when Pennsylvania's neighboring states have already embraced recreational marijuana. An economic analysis by FTI Consulting predicts that the legislation could lead to the creation of 30,000 jobs and generate $4.2 billion in economic output within its first year.
Advocacy group Responsible PA praised the bill's introduction, highlighting the necessity for Pennsylvania to align with its neighbors. “The majority of Pennsylvanians support a legal adult-use market, and most surrounding states have already legalized marijuana,” said Brittany Crampsie, the group’s spokesperson.
Should the bill pass, Pennsylvania would become the 25th state to legalize recreational marijuana for adults. The Pennsylvania House of Representatives is expected to review the legislation in the coming months.
For more info on Bill 2500 you can go to:
https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2023&sind=0&body=H&type=B&bn=2500