Legal cannabis in Pennsylvania is on the verge of becoming a real thing. See where the state stands on its potential recreational cannabis industry.
Will Cannabis Be Decriminalized?
Since Pennsylvania started regulating medical marijuana in 2016, the state’s openness towards full cannabis decriminalization has been increasing. Three cities in the greater commonwealth including Harrisburg, Pittsburg, and Philidelphia have reduced penalties involving cannabis possession. The recreational cannabis bills being introduced into the Senate (more on that later) also include decriminalization measures that go into effect if the legislation passes. While these steps are baby in comparison to Washington, crawling in the right direction is better than standing still while throwing a temper tantrum about those damn potheads like a 1940’s propaganda poster.
What Is A Probable Timeline For Legalization?
Pennsylvania lawmakers have introduced two separate bills into the state senate that would legalize cannabis recreationally for adults 21-years-old and over. Different lawmakers introduced House Bill 50 and Senate Bill 350 with the same goal in mind. Legalize cannabis to turn it into a regulated tax paying entity while decriminalizing use and possession. Pennsylvania lawmakers are taking their time in rolling out regulations to make sure they do right by their constituents and learn from other state’s recreational cannabis experiments. The answer is eventually (most likely) cannabis will be legalized, but there’s no hard timeline as of yet.
Gov. Tom Wolf Discusses Legal Cannabis In Pennsylvania
How Will Licenses be Distributed?
As of now, medical licenses are awarded through a state lottery system. A group of regulators uses a scorecard to grade the dispensary application and select the winners. Lawmakers want recreational licenses to be handed out transparently, have a low barrier to entry and promote inclusivity. The proposed legislation (HB 50) won’t cap the number of licenses awarded in the state. It also allows”micro-growers” to harvest and sell six plants worth of material grown at home. Pennsylvania’s recreational regulations will be handled by their department of agriculture instead of their alcohol bureau like it is here in Washington.
How Will The Medical Industry Co-exist With Recreational Industry?
It’s hard to tell what’s going to happen. Washington’s medical industry was eaten by the recreational side while California’s medical side is flourishing next to the largest recreational cannabis market in the world. The answer to this question will reveal itself once recreational cannabis sales get underway. Pennsylvania’s health department will retain control of the medical industry regulations.
What Are The People Saying?
This is exactly what Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf wants to know. His administration led by Lt. Gov. John Fetterman visited each of Pennsylvania’s 67 counties to speak to the residents about their feelings on legal cannabis. Franklin & Marshall College released a poll indicating that 59 percent of voters support legal cannabis. Reports indicate the speaking tour was met positivity over the issue, but there will always be people who dig their heels into the ground over outdated ideas. Senate Majority Leader Jake Corman, R-Centre County, called the push for cannabis legalization “reckless and irresponsible,” calling the plant a gateway to other more dangerous drugs,” Penn Live reports. Other opponents want more long term research on the effects of cannabis use before committing to legalization.
