Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
Table of contents
- Introduction
- A Call for Reform
- Legislative Dynamics and Challenges
- Bipartisan Efforts and the Road Ahead
- Conclusion
- Additional Resources
- FAQs
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Introduction
Pennsylvania is poised at a critical juncture as debates over cannabis legalization intensify. Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro has consistently championed adult-use cannabis reform, arguing that a system of taxation and regulation is long overdue. However, with a divided state government and contrasting views among lawmakers, the path to reform remains uncertain as 2025 approaches.
A Call for Reform
In his February 4 address, Gov. Shapiro renewed his call for adult-use legalization, stressing that Pennsylvania is losing valuable revenue to neighboring states. “We’re losing out on revenue that’s going to other states instead of helping us right here,” he said. He urged state lawmakers to come together and send him legislation that not only legalizes adult-use cannabis but also expunges records for nonviolent marijuana offenses and establishes reasonable regulations that protect public safety and support communities affected by past cannabis policies.
Legislative Dynamics and Challenges
While Shapiro awaits action from the Legislature, dissent among Pennsylvania’s GOP leaders highlights the challenges ahead. Senate President Pro Tempore Kim Ward criticized the governor’s approach, stating, “If [Shapiro] wants something done, he needs to lead on it. He can’t throw an idea out there and say, ‘Let the Legislature figure it out; I’ll sign it.’” This friction underscores a larger issue in the Keystone State’s divided government—Democrats hold a narrow one-seat majority in the House, while Republicans control the Senate with a 28-22 margin. Notably, no state has yet legalized adult-use cannabis through a divided legislature.
Bipartisan Efforts and the Road Ahead
Despite these challenges, bipartisan momentum is building in Pennsylvania. Near the close of last year’s session, Representatives Aaron Kaufer (R-Luzerne) and Emily Kinkead (D-Allegheny) introduced legislation with 15 co-sponsors to legalize adult-use cannabis. Similarly, Senators Sharif Street (D-Philadelphia) and Dan Laughlin (R-Erie) have worked together on previous legalization bills and recently circulated a bipartisan co-sponsorship memo on February 25 for a 2025 bill. Their memo emphasizes that “legalizing marijuana enables the state to regulate the industry, ensuring that products are tested for safety, purity, and potency,” a move aimed at protecting consumers and curbing the unregulated black market.
Nonetheless, frustration remains. Following the governor’s budget address, Laughlin criticized Shapiro for not taking a more proactive role, stating, “Simply projecting revenue without crafting a functional plan does nothing to move Pennsylvania forward.” He further labeled the proposed 26% effective tax rate on cannabis as “excessive” and “counterproductive,” pledging to work with colleagues from both sides of the aisle to develop a “responsible and effective legalization” plan.
Conclusion
Pennsylvania’s journey toward cannabis legalization in 2025 hinges on overcoming a divided government and fostering true bipartisan cooperation. With strong public support and neighboring states forging ahead, the pressure is mounting on Pennsylvania lawmakers to act. As Gov. Shapiro and his legislative counterparts navigate these challenges, the Keystone State remains a key battleground in the nationwide push for cannabis reform—a move that could finally position Pennsylvania among the leaders in modern cannabis regulation.
Additional Resources
FAQs
Is recreational cannabis legal in PA?
No, recreational cannabis is not legal in Pennsylvania, but possession of small amounts is decriminalized in some of the state’s largest cities. Medical use of cannabis has been legal in Pennsylvania since 2016.
Can anyone go to a dispensary in Pennsylvania?
The Pennsylvania cannabis laws restrict dispensaries from allowing anyone without a medical marijuana card in Pennsylvania into the dispensary. If you do not have a card, you will not be allowed inside the facility. Once you have your card, remember to bring your state ID with you as well to be admitted.
Is Delta 8 legal in PA?
Delta 8 and Delta 10 are both illegal in the state of Pennsylvania and that Delta 9 is illegal beyond the concentration of 0.3% of THC.
Can I go to a dispensary without a card in Philadelphia?
No, in order to enter a PA dispensary, you must have on you both a valid medical marijuana card and photo ID or driver’s license. Your card will typically arrive by mail from the state within two weeks of certification.
What can you buy at a PA dispensary?
Patients have access to pills, extracts, liquids, topicals, patches, and flower. Each of the six forms of medical marijuana provides patients with different benefits that are more suitable for treating certain conditions and gives patients a variety of options.
Is there a limit to how much I can buy at a dispensary in PA?
Pennsylvania dispensaries cannot dispense more than a 90-day supply (192 medical marijuana units) to a patient or caregiver until they have less than a 7-day supply remaining. A unit of Marijuana is: 3.5 grams of flower. 1 gram of concentrate.
Does PA accept out of state medical cards?
The state has a strict law on reciprocity. Pennsylvania only allows out-of-state medical marijuana cardholders to purchase if they are a resident of a state that has an agreement with Pennsylvania.
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