A new bill in Pennsylvania aims to legalize recreational cannabis and establish the nation’s first state-run cannabis sales program. The Pennsylvania House of Representatives passed the legislation on Wednesday with a narrow 102-101 vote, receiving full support from Democrats while Republicans opposed it.
The bill, co-sponsored by state Reps. Rick Krajewski (D-Philadelphia) and Dan Frankel (D-Pittsburgh), seeks to implement a sales model akin to the state’s liquor control system. The lawmakers argue that this approach could address issues associated with private dispensaries, including excessive THC levels in products and insufficient support for small businesses.
Currently, Pennsylvania allows medical cannabis use, a program that has been in place since 2016 and operates through private dispensaries. The proposed changes would shift cannabis sales to state-run outlets, potentially within existing Fine Wine & Good Spirits stores, or through newly established state dispensaries. There are approximately 575 Fine Wine & Good Spirits locations across the state, which could be expanded to include cannabis sales, particularly in rural areas lacking private dispensaries.
The initiative comes after hearings in which Frankel and Krajewski discovered challenges faced by other states with private cannabis sales. They noted that many recreational products sold elsewhere often exceed THC levels that legislators consider appropriate. Additionally, concerns have arisen over small, locally-owned dispensaries being acquired by larger corporations, a trend that Frankel wants to prevent.
However, opposition exists from the cannabis industry. Jack Weber, co-owner of Keystone Cannabis Representative Agency, expressed concern that a state-run model could eliminate existing medical dispensaries and lead to legal challenges. He highlighted that many current dispensaries are already prepared to transition to recreational sales and would be ready to operate the next day.
The proposal faces a challenging path ahead. Senate Republicans have shown little interest in supporting a state-run cannabis model. State Sen. Dan Laughlin (R-Erie), a proponent of recreational cannabis, stated that any bill promoting sales through state stores would not be considered. In response to the impasse, Reps. Emily Kinkead (D-Pittsburgh) and Abby Major (R-Armstrong) are drafting an alternative bill for private dispensary sales, aiming to attract bipartisan support.
Governor Josh Shapiro has indicated he would sign a legalization bill, viewing it as a means to address the state’s budget deficit. Yet, Frankel believes that some conservative Republicans might back the state-run model due to the potential for greater control over public health outcomes, including limiting access and managing THC levels.
The bill now advances to the Republican-controlled state Senate, where supporters hope to secure approval before the June 30 budget deadline.
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