HARRISBURG, PA (July 10) — Today, Sens. Dan Laughlin (R-Erie) and Sharif Street (D-Philadelphia) introduced a landmark bipartisan proposal, Senate Bill 120, to legalize adult-use cannabis in Pennsylvania.

The effort marks a historic bipartisan collaboration, allowing budget talks among legislative leaders to continue in both chambers as cannabis legalization is a lifeline for the state’s 2025-26 budget.

Lawmakers are recognizing the urgent need for new, sustainable revenue streams to close a multi-billion shortfall, amid a state budget crisis made worse by recent federal spending cuts. Cannabis legalization is a proven, bipartisan, revenue-generating solution for lawmakers to put on the table; legalize adult-use cannabis and use the revenue to reinvest in transit, jobs, and justice without raising taxes.

This critical legislation will unleash significant economic and public health benefits for the Commonwealth, modernizing Pennsylvania’s approach to public safety and economic inclusion. According to an economic analysis, legalizing adult-use cannabis could generate:

  • $2.1 billion in sales in year one

  • More than  $420 million in recurring annual tax revenue

  • 30,000 new jobs, $4.2 billion in economic activity, and $2.6 billion added to Pennsylvania’s GDP

This revenue could help backfill key funding gaps throughout the Commonwealth’s rural regions – including the building and repairing of rural roads, bridges and saving the rural healthcare system. It could also save transportation funding and state budget gaps — without raising income or sales taxes on working families.

And it’s common sense. Every day lawmakers delay, the state loses tax revenue to New Jersey, Ohio, Delaware, New York, and Maryland — not to mention the thriving underground market.

“Legalizing marijuana enables the state to regulate the industry, ensuring that products are tested for safety, purity, and potency. This approach not only protects consumers but also combats the unregulated black market, where safety standards are non-existent,” said Sen. Sharif Street. “Legalizing marijuana presents an unprecedented economic opportunity for Pennsylvania and would help end the criminalization of marijuana users, particularly in communities of color that have been disproportionately impacted by marijuana-related arrests.”

“Legalizing adult-use cannabis is no longer just a smart option — it’s a fiscal and moral necessity,” said Responsible PA spokesperson Brit Crampsie. “With a viable, bipartisan bill on the table, there is no excuse for further delay. Pennsylvania is staring down a massive budget shortfall, and this legislation offers a real solution: new revenue, safer communities, support for small businesses, and long-overdue justice. Lawmakers must act now—our economy, our communities, and our future can’t afford to wait.”

Public support for legalization is strong, with over 60% of voters—including majorities in both Republican and Democratic districts across the state—backing adult-use cannabis reform. Voters consistently cite economic benefits, public safety, and criminal justice reform as top reasons for their support.

 

About Responsible PA:
ResponsiblePA is a broad coalition advocating for the legalization of adult-use cannabis in 2025. With a proven medical cannabis program and the majority of neighboring states already legalized, the time is now for Pennsylvania to act. The coalition is committed to advancing a legalization framework rooted in equity, economic opportunity, and responsible regulation.