Today, Pennsylvania State Representatives Aaron Kaufer (R-Luzerne) and Emily Kinkead (D-Allegheny), along with 15 cosponsors, introduced a comprehensive, bipartisan marijuana legalization bill in the House of Representatives.
Under the proposed law, those 21 and older would be allowed to possess and use up to 30 grams of marijuana for any use. Although medical marijuana patients would be allowed to grow up to five marijuana plants for personal use, recreational home grows would not be allowed.
The bipartisan measure would establish a system of licensed and regulated marijuana businesses, overseen by the Department of Agriculture.
Recreational marijuana sales would receive an 8% sales tax and a 5% excise tax. Revenue would be allocated to the Cannabis Business Establishment Fund (30%), the Cannabis Regulation Fund (30%), the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (15%), drug prevention programs (10%), local governments with cannabis businesses (10%), and the state’s medical cannabis program (5%).
“This bill underscores our commitment to responsible regulation of the cannabis industry while addressing the diverse needs of Pennsylvania’s communities,” said Kaufer. “By prioritizing public safety and consumer protection, this legislation will build on the successful regulatory structure of the state’s medical cannabis program, continuing stringent standards for product quality, packaging and labeling to ensure the well-being of all consumers.”
“It is well past time for the Commonwealth to legalize cannabis for recreational use, address the injustices of the failed War on Drugs, and ensure that Pennsylvanians can benefit from this industry in the same way our neighboring states have,” said Kinkead. “Our bipartisan effort to provide specific language that takes the best practices from other states is the next substantial step in finally getting this done.”
