(Harrisburg, Pa., Feb. 3, 2026) — Today, ResponsiblePA applauded Governor Josh Shapiro’s 2026 budget proposal, which includes a commitment to establish a legal cannabis market and make it a policy priority to help balance the Commonwealth’s growing budget gap.

Following the extended process of the 2025 budget, there is widespread acknowledgement of a desperate need for new revenue in 2026. With every member of the PA House and half of the Senate on the ballot later this year, pressure to deliver a better budget has never been higher.

Lawmakers need to face reality – legalization is about regulating a product people already use. Legalization is about keeping our communities and consumers safe, ending unnecessary arrests, and investing new tax revenue in schools, infrastructure, and local jobs instead of sending it across state lines. It’s time for Pennsylvania’s lawmakers to catch up with the people of Pennsylvania.

The coalition released the following statement:

“Governor Shapiro’s proposal reflects what a clear majority of Pennsylvanians already understand: comprehensive cannabis regulation is not just smart policy — it’s smart economics.

“A regulated cannabis industry would create thousands of jobs across urban and rural communities, generate significant new revenue, and strengthen Pennsylvania’s economic competitiveness without raising taxes. Just as importantly, it would direct investment back into local communities across the Commonwealth.

“As Pennsylvania confronts persistent budget challenges, we need practical, forward-looking solutions. Comprehensive cannabis regulation offers a proven way to strengthen state finances, support working families, and build a more resilient economy. We call on lawmakers to act.” – ResponsiblePA spokesperson Brit Crampsie

Governor Shapiro’s commitment comes after a turbulent 2025 budget cycle marked by a 134-day impasse, during which lawmakers repeatedly identified cannabis regulation as a viable source of sustainable revenue without increasing taxes.

Looking ahead, Pennsylvania faces mounting fiscal pressures driven by state and federal funding reductions to critical programs, including mass transit, public education, nutrition assistance, health coverage, and higher education.

The Stakes of Comprehensive Cannabis Regulation

Year One Economic Impact (FTI Consulting Analysis)

  • $2.1 billion in first-year cannabis sales
  • $4.2 billion in total economic output
  • 33,000+ new jobs
  • $420 million in recurring tax revenue
  • $2.6 billion in state GDP for the state

Rural Job Creation

FTI data also shows regional job growth related to Pennsylvania’s establishment of cannabis regulation, especially in rural Republican-leaning regions. For example, Luzerne, Montour, Northumberland and Snyder counties are poised to gain 3,218 jobs through cannabis legalization, while York County alone would gain 2,662 jobs. More rural counties like Bedford, Fayette, Somerset and Westmoreland are set to gain 2,386 jobs. Cannabis jobs are good paying, family supporting jobs offering a suite of benefits.

Losing Revenue to Neighboring States

Neighboring states like New York, New Jersey, Maryland, Delaware, and Ohio have already realized these benefits, while Pennsylvania continues to lose business investment and tax dollars across its borders.