Pennsylvania lawmakers are feeling optimistic about the chances of legalizing adult-use marijuana in the 2025 session, and the governor plans to once again call for the reform as part of his next budget proposal.
With state legislators announcing their intent to file legalization bills for next year’s session, recent comments signal that there’s an increased sense of urgency to act, especially given regional reform developments as neighboring state markets mature.
Gov. Josh Shapiro (D) told TribLive that he will put recreational cannabis legalization in his budget request again next year. He’s done so in the last two budgets without success, but lawmakers and advocates have indicated that the third time might be the charm.
“I think it is an issue of fairness, justice and competitiveness,” Shapiro said. “All the states around us have approved or are in the process of approving recreational marijuana. Folks are going across state borders in order to purchase it and paying taxes to those states. They should be keeping their money right here in Pennsylvania.”
While the governor has focused on the economic opportunities of legalization—and the consequences of inaction—other legislators have emphasized the criminal justice and social equity components of reform.
Rep. Dan Frankel
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