The Pennsylvania House of Representatives is scheduled to hold a second reading vote tomorrow, May 6, on legislation that would legalize marijuana for adult use.
The measure, House Bill 1200, passed out of the House Health Committee today in a narrow 14 to 12 vote, along party lines, just one day after it was introduced by a bipartisan coalition of 27 lawmakers. If approved during tomorrow’s second reading, the bill would move to a third and final reading before potentially advancing to the Senate.
HB 1200 would allow individuals aged 21 and older to purchase marijuana and marijuana products from state-licensed retailers regulated by the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board. The system would mirror the state’s current liquor model through the creation of Pennsylvania Cannabis Stores. Adults would also be allowed to grow up to two mature and two immature marijuana plants at home.
The legislation includes a 12% tax on marijuana products and a 6% tax on paraphernalia. Revenue would be allocated to three separate funds focused on reinvestment, substance use prevention and treatment, and general cannabis-related spending. Municipalities would not be allowed to prohibit marijuana stores from operating in their jurisdictions.
In addition to regulating advertising, packaging, and testing requirements, the bill provides for automatic expungement of certain marijuana convictions and includes equity-focused provisions for communities harmed by prohibition.
Governor Josh Shapiro has publicly endorsed marijuana legalization, most recently during his February budget address, where he called on lawmakers to approve legislation to legalize and tax recreational sales.
If Pennsylvania lawmakers do pass HB 1200 into law, the state will become the 25 to legalize recreational cannabis.
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