PA Proposal Would Legalize Adult Use of Cannabis Through the State Store System

As the debate over legalizing recreational marijuana in Pennsylvania continues, one house representative has proposed a co-sponsorship memorandum that would legalize adult use of marijuana through the state store system. Representative David Delloso of Delaware County believes this is the best way to not only legalize cannabis in Pennsylvania but also expunge low-level convictions and permit citizens to grow their own.

The proposal suggests that the Liquor Control Board, which currently oversees the sale of distilled spirits and, in some cases, wine and beer, should oversee both alcohol and marijuana if it were to become legalized. The board has not been involved in making this legislation but Shawn Kelly from the Liquor Control Board said they would follow any guidelines set out by the bill if passed into law.

If this legislation were to pass, taxation on marijuana would likely be high and overregulation of the cannabis market could become an issue. Democrats create omnibus legislation for marijuana legalization that often includes an overabundance of costly social justice projects. It could also lead to a more regulated market with government oversight that would set limits such as minimum pricing and distribution policies.

This is not the first time this type of legislation has been proposed. Still, hopefully, with Rep. Delloso’s renewed effort and support from both sides of the aisle, it will be passed this time around and pave a path for a safer cannabis market in Pennsylvania. 

Rep. Delloso's proposal to legalize adult use of marijuana through the state store system could expunge prior convictions, lead to high taxes and overregulation of the cannabis market, and provide a safer industry in Pennsylvania. It will be interesting to see if this legislation passes or not, but then it's off to the Republican-controlled state Senate, where it faces a slew of challenges.