Momentum grows for cannabis legalization as PA lawmakers return to Harrisburg
Harrisburg, PA. (SEPT. 13) – Today, Reps. Emily Kinkead (D-Allegheny County) and Aaron Kaufer (R-Luzerne), introduced and filed House Bill 2500, a proposal to legalize adult-use cannabis in Pennsylvania.
The bi-partisan legislation, led by Kinkead and Kaufer, is the newest proposal introduced this session and if passed, would finally bring Pennsylvania to parity with states that share 90 percent of Pennsylvania’s border with regard to legalization.
First introduced on June 17th as a co-sponsorship memo and as the first bi-partisan adult-use cannabis legalization bill in the history of the State’s House of Representatives, the bill represents and includes strong social equity and criminal justice provisions, a focus on strict labeling and advertising standards, and significant revenue allocations for law enforcement, public education, and social equity opportunities.
Said Responsible PA spokesperson Brittany Crampsie:
“The majority of Pennsylvanians want a legal, adult-use market and the majority of states surrounding Pennsylvania have legalized marijuana. There are now viable bi-partisan proposals on the table today for the legislature to consider and there are no more excuses to wait. We are pleased and applaud Representatives Kinkead and Kaufer for taking the initiative to file this bill, and renew our call on the legislature to pass legalization immediately upon the legislature’s return to Harrisburg in September.”
The 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.
ResponsiblePA unveiled an economic study conducted by national consulting firm FTI Consulting, showcasing an addition of $2.1 billion in tax revenue as a result of an adult-use market in Pennsylvania in year one. This economic forecast also predicts the creation of more than 30,000 jobs in one year, an additional $4.2 billion in economic output, $2.6 billion in state GDP for the state, and $420 million in recurring tax revenue.
HB-2500 comes as legislative momentum for cannabis legalization is picking up just in time for fall session days.
Throughout the 2024 session, Rep. Dan Frankel (D-D23 – Allegheny), House Health Committee Chair, encouraged conversation and thoughtfully led a series of hearings, which was critical to advancing the adult-use conversation in the legislature forward. In the Senate, legislative champions Sens. Sharif Street (D-D3 – Philadelphia), Dan Laughlin (R-D49 – Erie) introduced bi-partisan legislation which helped propel the Senate discussions forward. Additionally, the Legislative Black Caucus held a press conference as these efforts proceeded to discuss principles that must be addressed in any legalization measure.
Lawmakers throughout the Commonwealth are returning to Harrisburg this September.
