Thriving recreational markets in D.C. and such states as Alaska, California, Colorado, Maine, Michigan, Nevada, and Oregon have legalized home cultivation within their recreational marijuana laws. Despite the argument that home cultivation would hurt dispensaries and overall commercial sales, Colorado made $266,529,637 in marijuana tax revenue in 2018, nearly quadruple the amount in 2014, while allowing for home growing that entire period.
As a response to growing support for recreational marijuana in Pennsylvania, Lt. Gov. John Fetterman is currently traveling all over the state to learn what his constituents want in marijuana policy. There is a great need to include home growing in recreational legalization, such as the HB50 legislation being considered by the state’s General Assembly. Here’s why.
Legal home growing can reduce mass incarceration. Under current sentencing policy, cultivating plants at home is a felony charge and can result in prison time or house arrest.