Pennsylvania Governor Pushes for Cannabis Legalization in 2025 Budget Proposal

4 February 2025

In his latest budget address on February 4, 2025, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro urged state lawmakers to legalize adult-use cannabis, citing economic losses as residents cross state lines to purchase marijuana in neighboring New Jersey, Maryland, and Ohio. Shapiro's proposal projects that legal sales could generate $1.3 billion in tax revenue over five years, with a portion allocated for social equity programs and criminal expungement efforts.

Despite growing bipartisan support, legalization efforts have stalled due to legislative gridlock in the Republican-controlled state Senate. If enacted, Pennsylvania would become the 25th state to legalize adult-use marijuana.

Relevant Laws and Proposed Bills:

• Gov. Shapiro’s Budget Proposal (2025): Includes provisions for adult-use cannabis legalization, a 20% wholesale tax, and criminal record expungements.
• Decriminalization Bill (Proposed by Rep. Danilo Burgos, D): Would make simple cannabis possession a summary offense punishable by a $100 fine instead of jail time.
• Adult-Use Legalization Bills (Proposed by Reps. Aaron Kaufer, R & Emily Kinkead, D): Bipartisan legislation introduced with 15 co-sponsors.
• Bipartisan Legalization Bill (Proposed by Sens. Sharif Street, D & Dan Laughlin, R): Aims to establish a regulated adult-use market.

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