In 2024, pro-cannabis interests invested at least $1.6 million lobbying the Pennsylvania legislature as lawmakers considered a legalization plan that could significantly benefit existing dispensaries and growers. This push for legalization comes amidst ongoing discussions in the state, with Democratic Governor Josh Shapiro advocating for recreational cannabis sales to adults. He estimates that legalizing cannabis could generate approximately $1.3 billion in essential revenue for the state over the first five years.
To make this happen, Governor Shapiro needs the support of a majority of lawmakers in the Democratic-controlled state House and the GOP-led state Senate. There appears to be strong backing in the House, but Democrats are still working to agree on the best way to structure the cannabis industry in Pennsylvania. Meanwhile, the Senate has seen some resistance, particularly from key Republican leaders, who have raised concerns about health and public safety.
Despite the challenges, various legislative supporters are proposing differing approaches to legalization. Some House Democrats advocate for selling recreational cannabis through new state-owned stores, similar to the state’s liquor sales model. They believe this would increase state revenue and prevent a few corporations from monopolizing the industry. In contrast, a bipartisan group in the Senate has suggested allowing current medical cannabis sellers to enter the recreational market. Currently, over 40 companies operate 186 medical dispensaries in Pennsylvania, which collectively sold nearly $7 billion worth of products between 2020 and the end of 2024.
The potential for expansion into the recreational market is expected to boost profits for these companies. As a result, major multistate cannabis retailers like Trulieve and Cresco Labs have invested tens to hundreds of thousands of dollars into lobbying efforts to sway the legislative debate in 2024. An analysis by Spotlight PA, which examined public disclosures, highlighted that 26 companies and trade associations involved in cannabis production or sales spent over $1.6 million on lobbying.
Of this total, more than $800,000 came from cannabis companies that operate nationwide, with 19 of them already established in Pennsylvania through retail operations or product offerings. While lobbying disclosure forms reveal spending amounts, they do not specify which lawmakers or legislation were targeted, nor do they provide detailed accounts of how the funds were utilized.
Most lobbying expenses fall into several key categories, including gifts to lawmakers, direct communications, and indirect communications. Direct communications involve appeals to lawmakers for legislative or administrative actions, while indirect communications may encompass organizing letter-writing campaigns and phone banks focusing on specific issues. Notably, Trulieve emerged as the largest spender in this lobbying effort, actively cultivating cannabis and pushing for favorable legislation.
