On May 7, 2023, the Pennsylvania House of Representatives voted to approve a bill aimed at legalizing adult-use cannabis. This proposal, which received initial backing on a narrow party-line vote of 102-101, includes provisions for state-run dispensaries.
The legislation was introduced just days earlier, on May 5, and quickly progressed through the House Health Committee. Every Democratic member supported the bill, while all Republicans opposed it.
If the proposal secures further approval in an upcoming vote, it will advance to the Senate for additional consideration. The bill outlines several key provisions: it allows possession of cannabis for adults aged 21 and older, establishes a regulated framework for commercial cultivation and distribution, and imposes a 12% sales tax on retail cannabis transactions.
Dispensaries would be state-operated, although private entities could engage in cultivation, processing, and transportation. Additionally, individuals would need to obtain a $100 annual permit from the state Liquor Control Board to cultivate cannabis at home. The legislation also sets THC concentration limits for cannabis edibles and flower products.
During discussions, Rep. Charity Grimm Krupa (R) expressed her concerns about the rapid advancement of the bill, stating she opposed broadly legalized adult-use marijuana and was troubled by the swift process. However, Rep. Dan Frankel (D), a co-sponsor of the bill, defended the transparency of the legislative process, citing ongoing stakeholder engagement over the past two years, including six public hearings.
Governor Josh Shapiro has expressed his support for cannabis legalization. A report from last year estimated that Pennsylvania could generate over $1 billion in tax revenue from cannabis sales over the first five years of legalization. As neighboring states continue to adopt similar policies, Pennsylvania’s potential move towards legalization reflects a broader trend across the region.
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