Harrisburg, PA. (SEPT. 24) – ResponsiblePA today applauds recent remarks from Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro. Shapiro’s social media statement stated, “I’ll work with anyone to create real opportunity and advance real freedom here in Pennsylvania.”
The Governor’s remarks follow the introduction of the bipartisan House Bill 2500, a proposal to legalize adult-use cannabis in Pennsylvania, co-sponsored by Reps. Emily Kinkead (D-Allegheny County) and Aaron Kaufer (R-Luzerne). Both chambers of Pennsylvania’s legislature return next week to the state Capitol.
Said Responsible PA spokesperson Brittany Crampsie:
“We agree with Governor Shapiro; legalizing adult-use cannabis will create real opportunities and advance real freedom in Pennsylvania. It will create real jobs – to the tune of 33,000 jobs in the first year – and the state will see a windfall of $4.2 billion in economic output, $2.6 billion in state GDP, and $420 million in recurring tax revenue. These are real numbers with the possibility to create real opportunities for thousands of Pennsylvanians throughout the Commonwealth.”
An addition of $2.1 billion in tax revenue will also be ushered in as a result of an adult-use market in Pennsylvania in year one, according to an economic study conducted by national consulting firm FTI Consulting. These economic gains to the state are real, particularly as Pennsylvania’s Independent Fiscal Office has projected that the state will run out of funds before the end of the 2024 fiscal year.
More so, bill proposals in front of state lawmakers bring the potential to put cannabis policy in Pennsylvania on a more level playing field with its states that share 90 percent of Pennsylvania’s border with regard to legalization. The only border state that has not yet legalized is West Virginia, now a major campaign issue in the 2024 Election.
Legalizing cannabis is a critical step towards addressing the disproportionate impact of cannabis
prohibition on marginalized communities. It offers a chance to rectify past injustices, reduce unnecessary incarcerations, and reallocate law enforcement resources to more serious and violent crimes.
