Rep. Jake Wheatley, D-Allegheny, reintroduced updated adult-use cannabis legislation that he had first sponsored last September.
“For too long we have allowed myths and ignorance to prevent a realistic and thoughtful discussion regarding the legalization of adult-use cannabis,” Wheatley said at a press conference on Monday. “In 2016, we passed a law allowing medical cannabis in Pennsylvania. That law was the right step, the first step, but we need to do more."
Wheatley has framed the issue as an opportunity to improve criminal justice, bolster affordable housing and relieve the state's student debt burden. He noted Pennsylvania Auditor General Eugene DePasquale projections that legal pot would generate between $500-600 million annually tax revenue for the state.
“My legislation builds on the invaluable efforts of so many by crafting comprehensive legislation that would not only decriminalize and legalize adult-use cannabis, but would rectify decades of injustice while investing in the people and future of our commonwealth," Wheatley said.
The bill, H.B. 50, already has 26 co-sponsors in the House of Representatives.