Today, during NORML’s advocacy push in Harrisburg for cannabis legalization, ResponsiblePA echoed NORML’s call for Pennsylvania lawmakers to legalize adult-use cannabis now.
“We are very excited to bring all of our advocacy efforts throughout the Commonwealth in support of a true, bipartisan effort to bring adult-use reform to our state,” said Patrick Nightingale, Executive Director, Pittsburgh NORML. “It is unconscionable that Pennsylvania continues to drag thousands into the criminal justice system while we are surrounded by states that have legalized the possession and regulated distribution of cannabis. We call on our elected lawmakers to end this ruinous practice of prohibition and join millions upon millions of Americans who no longer fear arrest for mere possession of a plant.”
Momentum for legalization in the Commonwealth is growing. Recent polling data conducted by Change Research, shows majority support for the proposal in every county polled, across demographics and party registration. The polling looked at competitive PA House districts that have elected members of both parties and are considered “toss-ups” in the 2024 cycle.
More than 60 percent of voters in each political toss-up district (HD16, HD72, HD118, HD144, and HD151) favor regulated cannabis sales, demonstrating widespread public approval for legalization as a way to stimulate economic growth, create jobs, and reduce the reliance on illegal markets.
More so, Gov. Josh Shapiro supports cannabis legalization, presidential candidate Kamala Harris endorses legalization, and presidential candidate Donald Trump laid out his pro-cannabis reform position.
A bipartisan proposal – House Bill 2500 – was recently introduced to legalize adult-use cannabis in Pennsylvania.
Both chambers of Pennsylvania’s legislature returned to the state Capitol this week.
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ResponsiblePA is a coalition with the goal to help support the legalization of adult-use cannabis in 2024. With 90 percent of PA’s neighboring states already legalizing cannabis and a robust medical operation in Pennsylvania for nearly a decade – the ResponsiblePA coalition believes now is the time to legalize cannabis. We must create a solid social equity structure in Pennsylvania to be prepared for cannabis legalization.
