Pennsylvania House Advances Cannabis Legalization Bill

The Cannabis Health and Safety Act (HB1200), a bill to legalize recreational marijuana in Pennsylvania, has passed the state House Health Committee by a 14-12 party-line vote and will move to the full House. Sponsored by Reps. Rick Krajewski and Dan Frankel, the bill proposes state-run cannabis stores modeled after Pennsylvania’s Fine Wine & Good Spirits system, aiming to maximize state revenue and public accountability. The legislation seeks to expunge past cannabis-related convictions, reinvest tax revenue in communities affected by the War on Drugs, and prioritize local and diverse entrepreneurs while preventing monopolization by major companies. It also includes public health measures, such as THC limits and child safety protections. While facing Democratic support, the bill has drawn Republican criticism for its swift introduction and limited review, and its fate in the GOP-controlled Senate is uncertain. If enacted, Pennsylvania could become the 25th state to legalize recreational cannabis and potentially generate over $500 million annually in revenue.