Push for legalized marijuana renewed
Gov. Tom Wolf and Lt. Gov. John Fetterman on Thursday made a push for legalization of recreational marijuana, framing it to Pennsylvania lawmakers as a way of boosting the state’s economy and going toward fixes in the criminal justice system.
Revenues of adult- use cannabis can go toward small businesses and restorative justice programs, the governor said.
“Now more than ever, we see a desperate need for the economic boost cannabis legalization can provide,” Mr. Wolf said in a news release. “So today I am proposing we legalize adult- use cannabis here in Pennsylvania with a portion of the revenue going toward existing small business grants.
“Half of these grants would be earmarked for historically disadvantaged businesses, many of which have had difficulties attaining other assistance because of systemic issues.
“The other portion of the revenue will go toward restorative justice programs that give priority to repairing the harm
done to crime victims and communities as a result of cannabis criminalization.”
By not legalizing marijuana, the governor said Pennsylvania is missing out on a revenue stream being utilized by 11 states and the District of Columbia.
“Some states that have legalized adult- use cannabis have received millions in additional revenue,” Mr. Wolf said. “In Washington state, adult- use cannabis brought in $ 319 million in tax revenue in 2018. In Colorado, that figure topped $ 266 million and provided the city of Aurora with $ 900,000 to open a space for people experiencing homelessness. And these figures don’t count the secondary economic benefits of new businesses opening.”
As segments of the state economy falter during the COVID- 19 epidemic, state officials say the revenue from legalized marijuana sales could be used to help.
“Communities across our commonwealth are suffering,” said state Sen. Sharif Street, D- Philadelphia. “Government has a responsibility to provide for and protect Pennsylvanians without cutting vital support systems or levying new taxes during a pandemic. After years of disparate enforcement of marijuana laws, which drives mass incarceration, social justice reform must be central to any policy on adult use. I’m proud to support Gov. Wolf in this effort.”
Advocates for legalization have long noted enforcement of marijuana laws has had a disparate impact on low- income communities.
“I stand with the governor and lieutenant governor in support of legislation legalizing adult- use cannabis because this issue is about far more than money,” said state Rep. Jake Wheatley, D- Hill District. “This is about criminal and social justice reform and righting past wrongs. It is about creating a flourishing new industry to help keep people safe and educate them on responsible use. Especially during a pandemic, we need to provide every avenue for relief, and this one is well overdue.”
“The time has come to legalize adult- use cannabis in Pennsylvania,” Mr. Wolf said. “It will help our economic recovery, it will help Pennsylvania families, and it will help make our criminal justice system fairer.”
State Sen. Jake Corman, Senate majority leader, said he needed to hear more specifics from Mr. Wolf about the proposal before it would be taken up in the Legislature. And that, Mr. Corman added, wouldn’t happen this year.
“We do appreciate, though, the Governor recognizing the need for the General Assembly to play a role in this,” Mr. Corman, R- Bellefonte, said in a statement.
“We look forward to receiving specifics about his broad concepts including who would regulate this new industry, where it would be sold, strategies for enforcement and plans to minimize the impacts on the medical marijuana industry.”