The Pennsylvania House of Representatives has passed a bill to legalize recreational marijuana for adults 21 and older, marking a significant step in the state's cannabis policy debate. The bill, known as the Cannabis Health & Safety Act, passed on Wednesday (May 7) by a narrow 102-101 vote along party lines, with all Democrats in favor and all Republicans opposed. The legislation proposes a state-run retail system for marijuana sales, aiming to ensure public health safeguards and generate substantial revenue for the Commonwealth.
The bill, sponsored by Rep. Rick Krajewski (D-Philadelphia) and Health Committee Chairperson Dan Frankel (D-Allegheny), seeks to create a regulated market for cannabis products. According to the Capital-Star, supporters argue that the current prohibition has been ineffective and that legalization would provide safe, tested products for consumers. The bill also includes provisions for vacating and expunging marijuana convictions, though some Republicans have raised constitutional concerns about this aspect.
Governor Josh Shapiro has expressed support for the bill, emphasizing the economic benefits and the need to keep pace with neighboring states that have already legalized recreational marijuana. However, the bill now faces a challenging path in the Republican-controlled Senate, where similar proposals have previously stalled.
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The future of the bill remains uncertain as it moves to the Senate, where it may undergo substantial changes to gain the necessary support for passage.