Gov Josh Shapiro Says He'll Push For Marijuana Legalization In Pennsylvania Despite Setbacks

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro (D) said that both his administration and lawmakers would “come back and continue to fight” for legalization, referring to the exclusion of cannabis reform in the recently signed budget legislation.

During a press conference, Shapiro reflected on the compromises made in the budget, emphasizing his continued belief in the reform’s potential benefits.

Shapiro’s initial budget proposal in February included cannabis legalization, highlighting the revenue potential as neighboring states move ahead with the reform. He pointed out the financial opportunities, stating, “We're losing out on an industry that, once fully implemented, would bring in more than $250 million in annual revenue.”

Lawmaker On Legalization Efforts

However, the path to legalization faces internal disagreements among Pennsylvania Democrats regarding the regulatory framework. Rep. Dan Frankel, a staunch advocate for marijuana legalization, acknowledged the lack of consensus on whether to adopt a traditional private model or a state-controlled system comparable to the alcohol industry.

Frankel noted that cannabis reform was not a focal point in the recent budget negotiations, expressing doubts about advancing legalization this year due to limited session days. Nevertheless, he remained optimistic about future discussions and Republican engagement on the matter.

Senate president pro tempore Kim Ward criticized the governor’s involvement. “It's a lot of show, but not a lot of ‘go,' as far as I'm concerned.”

Industry And Advocacy Group Weigh In

Meredith Buettner Schneider, executive director of the Pennsylvania Cannabis Coalition, expressed hope for legislative progress this fall. She emphasized the importance of the governor’s involvement. “[Shapiro] coming to the table over the next couple months would be really critical to getting something done.”

Amid legislative efforts, the Pennsylvania legislature inadvertently omitted medical marijuana dispensaries from a section providing tax relief for the cannabis industry in the budget bill. This error underscores the complex and often contentious nature of cannabis policy reform.

Projections And Future Outlook

A recent report commissioned by activists projected that Pennsylvania could see up to $2.8 billion in adult-use marijuana sales in the first year of legalization, generating significant tax revenue and job creation. Sens. Sharif Street and Dan Laughlin stressed the importance of bipartisan cooperation to pass a legalization bill, advocating for the federal government’s proposed cannabis rescheduling rule to be implemented swiftly.

In light of regional legalization dynamics and increasing public support, Pennsylvania’s journey toward marijuana reform continues to unfold. Lawmakers and advocates say they’re determined to achieve a consensus that balances regulatory considerations, economic opportunities and social equity.

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