PA: Senate committee kills state-stores bill, but leaves door to legalization open

The Pennsylvania Senate Law and Justice Committee voted down the House-passed legalization bill, HB 1200, in a 3-7 vote. 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. 
 
MPP has also voiced concerns that the House’s state-run stores model would result in a costly boondoggle that fails to result in legal access. While HB 1200 had its flaws, it’s imperative that the Senate pass legislation — with a model that works. 
 
If you live in Pennsylvania, let your senator know it’s past time PA treat adults like grown-ups.
 
Pennsylvania is one of only 19 states that doesn’t even have a “decriminalization” law. State and local police made more than 11,000 arrests for cannabis possession in 2023 alone. 
 
Pennsylvania should be generating hundreds of millions of dollars in annual revenue from cannabis taxes, instead of ruining lives and forcing consumers across its borders to freer states. 

Unlike half of the country, Pennsylvania lacks a citizen initiative process. The only path to legalization runs through the Legislature.