The Pennsylvania House Health Committee has passed a bill that would legalize recreational marijuana for adults, advancing legislation that was introduced just yesterday by a coalition of 27 state lawmakers. The vote was 14 to 12.
House Bill 1200 would allow those 21 and older to legally purchase marijuana from state-licensed retailers regulated by the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board. The bill establishes a network of “Pennsylvania Cannabis Stores,” following a model similar to the state’s existing liquor system, and it allows individuals 21+ to grow up to two mature and two immature cannabis plants at a private residence.
The legislation includes provisions for social and economic equity, prioritizing individuals and communities disproportionately impacted by prohibition. It also mandates the automatic expungement of non-violent marijuana convictions and removes various civil and criminal penalties related to legal cannabis activity.
Cannabis would be taxed at 12%, with paraphrenia taxed at 6%. Revenue from marijuana sales would be distributed across three funds: the Cannabis Revenue Fund, the Communities Reimagined and Reinvestment Restricted Account, and the Substance Use Disorder Prevention, Treatment and Education Restricted Account. Unlike the majority of legal cannabis states, cities would not have the option of opting out of allowing cannabis retail outlets.
In addition, HB 1200 sets rules for advertising, packaging, labeling, product testing, and recordkeeping, and it allows for the issuance of bonds to support the rollout of the program.
Representative Dan Frankel (D), the chair of the House Health Committee and one of the bill’s sponsors, presided over today’s vote. Prior to the committee’s vote, several members raised concerns about the bill being voted on too fast —just a day after introduction—and one introduced a proposal to table the bill (that motion failed 12 to 14). Frankel responded to these criticisms by saying that the committee has already discussed the issue in length at prior meetings, and he said that voters are expecting them to take action on the issue.
