(Harrisburg, Pa.) —ResponsiblePA, the coalition dedicated to the legalization of an adult-use cannabis market in the state, today applauded Governor Josh Shapiro’s budget proposal, which includes full legalization in the Commonwealth. 

The coalition made the following statement:

“Governor Shapiro’s budget proposal includes robust investments in our communities funded by, among other things, a responsible, recurring revenue stream from an adult-use cannabis market. His vision for legalization in the state makes us competitive once again with neighboring states. We deserve an adult use cannabis market, just like our border states of Ohio, New Jersey, Maryland, and New York. We deserve the jobs it supports and the revenue it generates. To go another year under prohibitionist policy serves no one and dwindles the state’s resources.

“Today’s proposal from the Governor demonstrates thoughtful leadership, and bold policy that the people of this state want and deserve.” 

–ResponsiblePA spokesperson Brit Crampsie

Shapiro’s budget address comes as lawmakers in Harrisburg will be considering bipartisan proposals to legalize adult-use cannabis. (The 2025 session kicks off with a supportive adult-use cannabis majority in the Pennsylvania House.)

Previous independent polling, commissioned by ResponsiblePA, showed the popularity of legalization in competitive PA House districts, finding more than 60 percent of voters in each 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. Republican districts also polled north of 60 percent support.

ResponsiblePA also commissioned an economic study conducted by national consulting firm FTI Consulting, showcasing an addition of $2.1 billion in overall 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 a 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.

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ResponsiblePA is a coalition with the goal to help support the legalization of adult-use cannabis in 2025. 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.