05-05-2025
Adult-use marijuana bill passes committee, moves to Pa. House for consideration
HARRISBURG, Pa. (WTAJ) — Two Pennsylvania Representatives have officially introduced a bill that aims to legalize adult-use cannabis in Pennsylvania, with the bill moving to the House for consideration.
Reps. Rick Krajewski (D-Philadelphia) and Dan Frankel (D-Allegheny) argued that the 'time is now' when it comes to the legalization of cannabis in the Commonwealth. The bill, also known as the Cannabis Health and Safety Act, was approved by the House Health Committee Monday, May 5, by a vote of 14-12. Now, the bill will move to the full House of Representatives for consideration.
'We have listened carefully to public health experts, criminal justice reformers, small business advocates and community leaders,' Krajewski said. 'Our bill reflects what we've learned — that we can and must legalize cannabis in a way that is safe, equitable and beneficial to all Pennsylvanians.'
The lawmakers noted that 24 states, including nearly all of Pennsylvania's neighbors, have already legalized recreational cannabis and that public opinion is in overwhelming support.
'By legalizing and regulating cannabis thoughtfully, we can avoid pitfalls that have marred rollouts in other states,' Frankel said. 'Our plan will create clear rules that protect consumers, educate the public, and ensure that Pennsylvania small businesses and taxpayers – not out-of-state corporations — benefit from the profits.'
Some key proponents of the bill include:
Automatically clearing criminal records and advancing restorative justice for those impacted by cannabis-related offenses
Reinvesting tax revenue into communities disproportionately harmed by the War on Drugs
Implementing critical public health protections, including THC limits, marketing restrictions and child safety measures
Creating pathways for diverse and local entrepreneurs to participate in the regulated cannabis market, with priority on licensing and contracting
Maximizing state revenue and accountability with publicly owned and accountable retail stores
The bill also projects that the market of adult-use cannabis could bring in more than half a billion dollars for the commonwealth every year from both taxes and profits. The House Health Committee is expected to take up the legislation soon, marking the start of a historic debate around cannabis in the General Assembly.
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