The event comes the same week that two state lawmakers from western Pennsylvania unveiled new legislation to decriminalize, regulate and tax adult-use, recreational marijuana statewide. The proposal was not immediately listed on the state Legislature’s website, but it will be labeled House Bill 2050, said sponsors state Reps. Jake Wheatley and Dan Frankel, both D-Allegheny.
It’s unclear if House Speaker Bryan Cutler, R-Lancaster, will bring the measure up for a vote during the 2021-22 legislative session. Cutler two years ago said he opposed legalization of recreational, adult-use marijuana, in “the midst of an opioid epidemic.” His view had not changed as of a year ago, his opposition shared by Senate Majority Leader Jake Corman, R-Centre County, pennlive.com reported. Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf is a strong proponent of the legalization push.
The Democrats’ bill would make it legal for anyone 21 and older to purchase and consume recreational marijuana in Pennsylvania.
The proposal also would provide for direct participation in the cannabis industry by individuals in communities that have been disproportionately impacted by the criminalization of marijuana, and by small diverse and disadvantaged businesses, laying the foundation for enhancing social and economic equity for individuals and communities that have been and continue to be adversely impacted by the criminalization of marijuana, the lawmakers said in a news release Tuesday.