Senate Republicans in Pennsylvania have killed a clear path for legal cannabis.
By Pennsylvania Rep. Rick Krajewski (D)
Pennsylvania has the opportunity this month to abandon the failed War on Drugs policies, just like the rest of America. In fact, Republicans seem to be stuck in the old ways.
What could the legalization path have looked like? Over the last 2 years I’ve chaired 6 hearings at which public health experts, unions, advocates for criminal justice, regulators of cannabis in other states, and other expert witnesses testified.
Together with my colleague, Rep. Dan Frankel of the Health Committee (D), I shepherded the bill to a final House passage. Our bill was the subject of hours of debates and speeches with both Democrats and Republicans. We ultimately passed the first legalization of cannabis in Pennsylvania’s history.
Senate Republicans then brought our bill to the Senate for review. They would either amend the bill or propose an alternative if there was any concern. We would eventually reach a compromise that could be supported by both chambers.
It was our duty to do so.
Our bill, HB 1200, takes an innovative approach at including both public retail stores and licensing for private and social equity entrepreneurs. The bill offers real business opportunities to small-business owners. It generates two times as much revenue for the public as an entirely private model, and it creates a just and fair record expungement procedure. We Democrats have the responsibility of putting the needs and concerns of working-class people first.
Although I am aware of the diversity in our legislature, there are still some opinions that stand out. This bill represents a beginning, an initial proposal for what is sure to be a heated battle between opposing parties, each with their own visions of public health and criminal justice.
In the end, Republicans pulled out. With less than 24-hour notice, the Senate Law and Justice Committee chair called for a HB1200 vote. No experts were consulted, there was no hearing and no amendments filed.
They voted against our bill in a matter minutes. The only cannabis law to pass a legislative chamber has been voted down.
Back to square one.
According to the chair, he was trying to convey that he did not support our proposed hybrid model. Why not change the bill if this is true? Why not replace it with his own proposal?
He was asked this exact question at the voting meeting and gave a clear answer: “We’re not ready.”
The truth is out. The Senate isn’t ready to get this done, despite publicly saying they support legalization. Republicans still seem stuck with their prohibitionist past.
Pennsylvania voters are 70 percent in favor of legalization regardless of affiliation.
Tax dollars collected by neighboring states could amount to hundreds of millions.
Twelve thousand people yearly are being arrested and having their lives upended for simple possession.
Senate Republicans, who deny the reality of the legalization of cannabis and are out of touch of the wishes of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, must be blamed for each day of non-legalized marijuana. The Senate should either reconsider HB1200 or submit another bill if they’re serious about legalization.
There will be no more political show. Negotiations are open.
Rick Krajewski, a Pennsylvania House of Representatives member and chair of the Subcommittee on Health Care.
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Mike Latimer provided the photo.