Today, in a hearing of the Senate Law and Justice Committee, the Pennsylvania Senate shot down the adult-use cannabis legalization bill that had previously passed the PA House last week along partyline vote, paving the way for a bipartisan solution.

Senate Law and Justice Committee Chair Dan Laughlin laid out a bipartisan path forward to get a passable cannabis legalization bill through the House, Senate, and to the Governor this year.

HB1200, sponsored by Health Committee Chair Dan Frankel (D-Allegheny) and Rep. Rick Krajewski (D-Philadelphia), was centralized on the state-run store model for marijuana sales through oversight of the Liquor Control Board.

The ResponsiblePA coalition is excited for a more productive path forward following today’s vote:

“The overwhelming majority of voters want legalization, but that support falls off when lawmakers start discussing a state-run model. The polling shows it, the data shows it, and today’s bipartisan vote shows it. Today’s remarks from Sen. Laughlin encourages a real, bipartisan solution that utilizes the existing medical marijuana infrastructure. Pennsylvanians want a practical solution now – one that is bipartisan, offered in a way that can grow jobs and provide better product selection, and can get broad support. The time to pass legalization is now.”

Polling conducted by Change Research shows 68% of Pennsylvania voters support legalization now, which rises to a whopping 74% of Pennsylvania when voters learn more about the issue— a voter sentiment shared across party lines.

Polling also shows the popularity and preference of utilizing Pennsylvania’s successful existing medical marijuana infrastructure, as opposed to a state-run cannabis retail dispensary model. In fact, selling cannabis through a state-run system is largely unpopular at 25% — another voter sentiment is shared across party lines.

“What we heard from Senator Laughlin today echoes the wishes of most voters. We encourage both the Senate and the House to renew the legalization effort. Let’s do what the people of Pennsylvania want,” said the Responsible PA coalition.

BACKGROUND:

Cannabis legalization is popular among voters.

Polling shows 68% support among Pennsylvania voters, which rises to a whopping 74% of Pennsylvania when voters learn more about the issue— a voter sentiment shared across party lines.

Pennsylvanians unequivocally oppose a state-run and operated model.

In addition to violating federal law, the bill as currently written, will result in upwards of 27,000 Pennsylvanians losing good-paying jobs in the existing medical marijuana marketplace. The current medical marijuana infrastructure works and will be ready to support legalization on day one. Under a state-run model, the state will have to build out infrastructure, costing millions on top of legal challenges without even bringing in the proper revenue the state needs.

There’s a more practical approach. Private retail models have been incorporated in every other state as this approach creates more good-paying jobs, offers better product selection, and brings immediate revenue to the state. In other states, this has proven to eliminate illicit activity. Pennsylvania must avoid a botched roll-out like New York, where illegal activity spiked.

Pennsylvanians want a practical solution.

Polling released by ResponsiblePA shows the popularity and preference of utilizing Pennsylvania’s successful existing medical marijuana infrastructure, as opposed to a state-run cannabis retail dispensary model. The poll was conducted January 25-30, 2025 among 1,129 registered voters.

When voters were given the option and provided information between utilizing PA’s existing medical marijuana retail infrastructure or selling cannabis through a state-run store system, which is how PA currently sells alcohol, support for a private business model surged to 57%, while selling cannabis through a state-run system remained unpopular at 25% — voter sentiment is shared across party lines.

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ResponsiblePA is a coalition with the goal to help support the legalization of adult-use cannabis.

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.

More on the coalition here.