Pennsylvania House advances bill legalizing recreational marijuana

Source: Associated Press

Pennsylvania House advances bill legalizing recreational marijuana

By MARK SCOLFORO and MARC LEVY
Updated 6:26 PM EDT, May 7, 2025

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Pennsylvanians 21 or older would be allowed to legally purchase and use marijuana under a bill that passed the state House on Wednesday, the first time a recreational cannabis proposal has been approved by either legislative chamber.

Democrats voted unanimously to advance the multifaceted bill to the Senate over unified opposition from Republicans, just as lawmakers are working out which issues will be part of the budget-season dealmaking that occurs every year at this time in Harrisburg.

The proposal was touted by the main sponsor, Democratic Rep. Rick Krajewski of Philadelphia, as a “balanced, responsible and robust framework” that will create jobs, ensure a safe product and maintain affordable prices for consumers. He noted that there were about 12,000 simple possession arrests in the state last year.

Republicans expressed concern that legalization will increase marijuana usage, cause health issues and create safety problems at workplaces. Several pointed out that marijuana is still illegal under federal law.

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