Pennsylvania missed an opportunity to legalize adult-use cannabis in 2026, with House Bill 1200 passing in the House only to later die in a Senate committee. Before the legislature convenes in 2027, voters have an opportunity to elect new lawmakers.
Pennsylvania is nearly surrounded by freer states where cannabis is legal for adults. With primary elections tomorrow, it’s time to make your voice heard!
Two committee members who voted to kill the bill — including Chairman Dan Laughlin — made it clear they support legalization but opposed the House’s approach.
Last week, the 2022 session for Pennsylvania’s legislature began. Last year saw several legalization and decriminalization proposals, but none received a hearing or were called for a vote. Luckily, many of the 2021 proposals have carried over to 2022, which presents another opportunity to enact sensible, humane cannabis policy before the session adjourns in November.
Exciting news! Just last week, a bipartisan pair of senators introduced a bill that would permit home cultivation of medical marijuana in Pennsylvania. Sens. Dan Laughlin (R) and Sharif Street (D), who also jointly proposed a separate legalization bill earlier this year, introduced the concept in a letter to senators calling on them to sign on as cosponsors.
Despite having a medical marijuana program since 2018, Pennsylvania’s “zero tolerance” driving under the influence law still does not recognize the difference between medicinal and recreational cannabis use. This statutory oversight places unimpaired medical patients at risk of arrest, prosecution, and conviction every time they operate a motor vehicle, even when driving responsibly.