(HARRISBURG, Pa., Oct. 21) – Following today’s bipartisan Senate Law & Justice Committee vote to establish a cannabis regulatory framework, the ResponsiblePA coalition issued the following statement:
“Today’s vote is the first step toward comprehensive cannabis regulation. As Senator Laughlin said after first introducing this bill in March, ‘Legalization of adult-use cannabis in Pennsylvania is no longer a matter of if, it is when.’ The Senate is acknowledging the eventual need to prepare for comprehensive and consistent regulation of all cannabis-derived products. This vote takes on even greater significance given Pennsylvania’s ongoing budget crisis. With the framework for a regulatory body now advancing with bipartisan support, there is no excuse for the legislature to delay any longer.”
The vote comes as the state’s budget impasse now exceeds more than 100 days and negotiations continue. Recently, Pennsylvania’s key legislative leaders pointed to the revenue crisis and a potential solution:
Sen. Jay Costa (D-Allegheny), Senate Minority Leader: “Let’s be clear. The revenue that’s been proposed by the governor, first and foremost, was with respect to recreational marijuana, which members on both sides of the aisle have been talking about. This is something we probably should be thinking about right now.”
Shut Down the Illicit Synthetic THC Market
To get rid of the gray intoxicating hemp market – regulating all THC products is the solution. Without comprehensive cannabis regulation, an unregulated, synthetic THC market has filled the void. There is a heightened sense of emergency given that 87% of Pennsylvanians believe these products are already government regulated. When in fact these products – which are widely available at gas stations, convenience stores, and vape and smoke shops – are operating without any regulation or safety oversight.
Budgetary Context: The Economic Stakes
$4.2 Billion in Output, 33,000+ Jobs, $420 Million in Tax Revenue
The economic opportunity for Pennsylvania to bring in a new tax revenue stream from comprehensive regulation is substantial. According to analysis by FTI Consulting, adult-use legalization, specifically, would generate $2.1 billion in first-year sales alone, add $4.2 billion in economic output, and create more than 33,350 jobs across retail, cultivation, and related industries.
The Commonwealth would see $420 million in new annual tax revenue from an adult-use regulatory program. This represents critical funding for infrastructure, education, and public services that neighboring states are already capturing while Pennsylvania falls further behind.
Overwhelming Public Support
Recent polling shows 88% of Americans agree that marijuana should be legal for medical or recreational use. In Pennsylvania, polling consistently shows nearly 70% bipartisan voter support for adult-use cannabis legalization, including strong support among conservative voters.
What Others Are Saying
“I’m encouraged by the Senate committee’s bipartisan vote on SB49. This vote acknowledges that regulation will happen and legalization is coming to Pennsylvania. But establishing a regulatory framework is only the first step. We need to pair this with comprehensive legalization that creates jobs and economic opportunity. With Pennsylvania facing a historic structural deficit, we cannot afford to do this halfway.”
– Rep. Abby Major (R – 60th District)
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About Responsible PA:
ResponsiblePA is a broad coalition advocating for the legalization of adult-use cannabis. 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.
