Co-Sponsorship Memo Details

Over the past decade, support for legalizing recreational cannabis has almost doubled to nearly 60% of all Commonwealth residents being in favor of legalization. This is because our collective understanding has grown and myths that have been prolonged by those who are stuck in opposition have been debunked. We need to do what’s best for the people of Pennsylvania and legalize recreational cannabis this Legislative Session.

My bill is the most comprehensive legalization legislation to date and builds off of the framework established by Act 16 of 2016. The growth of medical cannabis has demonstrated the positive effects this industry is capable of achieving. House Bill 50 would not only implement the tax rates as suggested by the Auditor General’s report which would generate upward of $580 million in new tax revenue for the Commonwealth, it also provides for social justice reforms, returns both professional and driver’s licenses, incentivizes cannabis businesses to partner with PA farmers, as well as invests in student debt forgiveness, after school programs and affordable housing. The crafting of this bill was a collaborative effort with cannabis related stakeholder groups that include members of the medical and law enforcement communities.

Pennsylvanians have spoken. They recognize the once ugly stigma of cannabis is now just a part of history and want the Commonwealth to move into the future. We can take a step towards the future with the passage of my legislation. I hope you will all join me in co-sponsoring House Bill 50.