State-Controlled Marijuana Sales On The Table As PA Lawmakers Push For Legalization

A Pennsylvania House co-sponsorship memorandum seeks to sell cannabis in PA liquor stores, restricting possession and use to adults 21 and older.

“Using the existing state store system will not only ensure the safety and integrity of cannabis sales in the Commonwealth but also will prevent large, out-of-state corporations from dominating the industry,” said State Sen. Marty Flynn (D). 

About The Measure

Bill HB1180, sponsored by Rep. David M. Delloso points out that permitting private companies to sell cannabis in Pennsylvania could allow large corporations to take over the cannabis industry, putting profits before the well-being of communities.

The legislation would also expunge low-level cannabis convictions and permit individuals to grow up to six plants. "This would in turn free law enforcement to focus on the other issues our communities face and would reduce the racial disparity in the criminal justice system related to cannabis convictions," per the measure.

Now the bill "was referred to the House Liquor Control Committee and remained stuck for the remainder of the session," per a local news media outlet.

However, some cannabis advocates say they can't get behind the plan. "The state store model just seems poorly designed to accomplish that," said Patrick Nightingale from NORML.

Another Rec. Marijuana Bill On The Table

A separate measure is seeking to regulate cannabis. Sponsored by Rep. Dan Frankel and Rep. Donna Bullock, the bill would create "a legal and regulatory framework structured to control and regulate the cultivation, processing, transportation, distribution, delivery, and sale at retail of cannabis and cannabis products with the following central goals in mind: consumer safety, social justice, economic equity, prevention of substance use disorder, and revenue."

“It’s time to regulate and tax this major crop product in service of the health and well-being of Pennsylvanians,” Frankel and Bullock wrote in the memo.

In related news, PA Senator Dan Laughlin (R) recently called on state law enforcement to take action to protect the gun rights of marijuana users, particularly MMJ patients.

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Photo: Courtesy Of Vidar Nordli-Mathisen On Unsplash