I do not believe that the legalization of marijuana for recreational use is part of our current budget.
By Ian Karbal, Penn Capital-Star
A bipartisan group of Pennsylvania senators introduced a new proposal to legalize cannabis for recreational use at the Pennsylvania state Capitol on Thursday.
It is not likely that the bill from Senator Dan Laughlin and Democrat Sharif Street in Philadelphia will pass anytime soon.
As state budget negotiations drag on past June 30, the bill was introduced. Republican and Democratic budget negotiators are struggling to come to an agreement about how to cut the state deficit, while also funding priorities of both parties.
Laughlin posted on Facebook that “tax increases are now being discussed at Harrisburg in order to balance the budget.” He said that revenue from legal cannabis taxes could be used to balance the budget.
The proposal has been slammed by the majority leader in his party, Joe Pittman (R – Indiana).
Pittman told the Capital-Star that “discussions around the state budget are progressing and we’re committed to reaching a final deal, which can help address the structural deficit in our Commonwealth.” I don’t see any consensus for recreational marijuana legalization in the caucus on this budget.
Pennsylvanians aged 21 or older would be allowed to possess up to 30 grams flower, 5 grams concentrate, and 1000 milligrams THC in edibles and other marijuana-infused products. The bill would also include a 6 percent tax on cannabis and an excise of 8 percent tax.
Cannabis convictions for non-violent offenses are automatically expunged. All eligible inmates will be released.
Recreational cannabis is already legal in 24 states, including five of the six that border Pennsylvania—West Virginia being the exception.
Since a long time, Democrats in Harrisburg and Governor have supported the legalization of recreational marijuana. Josh Shapiro, a Democrat from Harrisburg, has called repeatedly on legislators to take action. However, the GOP controlled Senate has not been able to get behind the idea.
A cannabis bill supported by Democrats, which was passed in the House on an partisan basis, has been defeated.
Contrary to Laughlin Streets’ measure, cannabis would be sold like alcohol in state-run stores. This was a no-go for Republicans and Democrats.
Pittman, after the House rejected the bill, called its approach “unserious”, and claimed that it had “taken this issue back five steps.”
Cannabis lobbyists, who represent many Pennsylvania medical dispensaries and some of the biggest players in the marijuana industry nationwide, were strongly opposed to the state store model.
The original publication of this story is by Penn Capital Star.
Side Pocket Images. Image courtesy Chris Wallis.