As Pennsylvania lawmakers once again consider proposals to legalize marijuana, the governor is emphasizing that the state is “losing out” to others that have already enacted the reform, while maintaining a policy that’s enriched the illicit market.
During a wide-ranging video that was released on Monday, Gov. Josh Shapiro (D) was asked about his call to legalization cannabis for adult use, which he included in his latest budget request that’s been discussed at multiple committee hearings over recent weeks.
“I think it’s an issue of freedom and liberty. I mean, if folks want to smoke, they should be able to do so in a safe and legal way,” he said. “We should shut down the black market—and, by the way, every state around us is doing it. Pennsylvanians are driving to those other states and paying taxes in those other states.”
“It’s time we get some of that revenue here,” Shapiro said.
Asked whether he’s always been supportive of legalization, the governor conceded that he previously was not on board with the reform.
“No, honestly, I didn’t. I mean, it’s an issue I struggled with as a dad, as a former prosecutor, former attorney general of Pennsylvania,”
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