Pennsylvania Senate Rejects Adult-Use Cannabis Bill HB 1200

13 May 2025

The Pennsylvania Senate Law and Justice Committee voted to reject House Bill 1200, effectively pausing the state’s latest effort to legalize recreational cannabis. The bill, which had passed the state House the previous week, proposed legalizing adult-use marijuana for those 21 and older and establishing a state-run retail system for cannabis sales.

Governor Josh Shapiro and several members of the House had supported the bill, citing potential economic benefits and the need for Pennsylvania to remain competitive with neighboring states that have already legalized cannabis. HB 1200 also included provisions for social equity, record expungement for prior cannabis convictions, and dedicated funding for public health and community reinvestment initiatives.

Despite this, the bill did not gain enough support in the Senate. Key senators raised concerns about the structure of the proposal—particularly its reliance on a state-operated retail model—and called for revisions before considering support. The lack of bipartisan backing ultimately prevented the bill from advancing.

This legislative setback keeps Pennsylvania behind surrounding states like Ohio, Maryland, New York, and New Jersey, all of which have legalized adult-use cannabis. The decision also delays the potential introduction of a new revenue stream at a time when the state faces a significant budget shortfall.

While HB 1200 is no longer moving forward, the debate will continue in future sessions. Adjustments to the bill’s framework may be necessary to win broader support in the Senate and bring adult-use cannabis to Pennsylvania.