HARRISBURG, Pa. (WHTM) - Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro proposed legalizing recreational marijuana during his budget address on Tuesday.
The Governor's call echoed his last two budget addresses where he called for the legalization and taxation of cannabis.
"Letting this business operate in the shadows doesn’t make sense," said Shapiro. "And by doing nothing, we’re making Pennsylvania less competitive."
Shapiro added that by taxing marijuana Pennsylvania could bring in $1.3 billion in revenue over the first five years.
Shapiro also called for legislation to expunge criminal records for those with non-violent convictions for possessing small amounts of marijuana, as well as $10 million in "restorative justice initiatives". He also asked lawmakers for $25 million to invest in new small and small-diverse businesses to help them enter the marketplace
Pennsylvania has had legalized medical marijuana since 2016 for those with a serious medical condition such as anxiety, epilepsy, Tourette syndrome, and Parkinson's disease, among others.
Last year multiple Pennsylvania House Democrats introduced legislation to legalize recreational marijuana.
“We’ve heard from public health experts. We’ve heard from criminal justice and social equity advocates. We’ve learned directly from states across the country how to get this done safely and efficiently, generating hundreds of millions of dollars in public revenue,” Rep. Rick Krajewski said. “It’s time to move forward in Pennsylvania before we fall further behind.”
According to the Centers for Disease Control, there are 47 states, as well as Washington D.C. and three territories, that allow the use of cannabis for medical purposes.
There are 24 states along with D.C., Guam, and North Mariana Islands that allow recreational marijuana for adults. Idaho, Kansas, and Nebraska are the only states with no legal marijuana for medical or recreational use.
Marijuana remains classified as a Schedule I substance under the Controlled Substances Act, making distribution a federal offense. Marijuana and certain cannabis-infused products that contain more than 0.3% THC are also not allowed through TSA screening at airports.
According to the Marijuana Policy Project states have generated more than $20 billion in tax revenue since 2012.
A March 2024 Pew Research Poll found 88% of U.S. adults believe marijuana should be legal in some form.
More than half of those surveyed said marijuana should be legal for medical and recreational use.
