A comprehensive bipartisan bill was introduced last year, co-sponsored by Republican state Sen. Dan Laughlin, who represents Erie, and Democratic state Sen. Sharif Street, who represents Philadelphia. The Pennsylvania Legislature operates on a two-year cycle, so the bill can last that long.
The bipartisan bill (Senate Bill 846) would legalize marijuana for adult use, ban marketing to children, create a state regulatory commission and social equity program, and impose a 5% goods tax on dispensary sales. In addition to the tax, an 8% sales tax will be imposed. Among other things.
“We are negotiating what the format and function of adult use will look like. I think most people were aware that Pennsylvania is beginning to move toward adult recreational use. '' Street said. “I am cautiously optimistic that the amendments exist and that the bill has a good chance of passing this Congress. We do not fully agree on all of the language in the bill.”
In July 2023, the bill was referred to the Law and Justice Committee.
State Sen. Mike Regan (R-York County) chairs the Law and Justice Committee. Mr. Regan has publicly supported marijuana reform and recreational legislation, but has not scheduled a hearing on the bipartisan bill.
Meanwhile, a companion bill to legalize marijuana for adult use was introduced in the House by state Rep. Armen Brown, a Philadelphia Democrat. It was referred to the Health Committee.
Democratic state Rep. Dan Frankel, who represents Allegheny County, chairs the health committee. Congressman Frankel supports adult-use legalization, but the committee has not held a hearing to vote on Brown's companion bill.
“We're currently holding six public hearings on this issue because we wanted to take a measured approach in doing this at the Board of Health, to avoid the mistakes we've seen in other states,” Frankel said. If I could,” he said.
Instead, Frankel plans to introduce his own adult-use cannabis bill in the coming weeks for consideration, potentially referring it to the same committee he chairs.
Another issue at issue involves smoke shops taking advantage of loopholes in the law to sell hemp-derived delta-8 THC products, which are not regulated in Pennsylvania. These products are “undermining the medical cannabis market and will be a problem going forward when it comes to the adult-use market,” he said.
Frankel similarly argues that social equity forces independent pharmacies to compete with existing multi-state operators when initial costs are high and existing medical pharmacies can readily sell adult-use products. They were concerned about the quality of the program.
“It's going to be very difficult in the long run to prevent vertical consolidation in this industry, as we've seen in the tobacco industry. I think eventually it will consolidate,” he said. “The idea that there are many independent players in the market is unrealistic.”
Frankel proposed allocating revenue to communities most affected by marijuana criminalization and increasing clinical testing of marijuana products to ensure safety.
“I think there’s a sense of reluctance that[all Republicans]need to do this now, regardless of whether they ultimately vote yes or not.”
Buettner, of the Pennsylvania Cannabis Coalition, an industry advocacy group, said he is optimistic this year is “the closest we've ever been” to an adult-use bill.
“I think there is a good chance that the House will take this issue up and it will pass out of committee,” she said.
Gov. Josh Shapiro said he intends to sign the recreational marijuana bill into law if it passes the state Legislature.
How much does medical marijuana cost in Pennsylvania?
The retail cost of medical cannabis fell from $14.90 per gram in 2021 to $8.26 per gram in 2024.
The average cost for a common quantity of one-eighth ounce of medical marijuana ranges from $40 to $50. Edible medical cannabis products can cost between $20 and $40 for a package of 10 gummies or dissolvable tablets.
Buettner of the Pennsylvania Cannabis Coalition said the price reduction is multi-dimensional, including increased supply, larger and more experienced growing operations, and more customers in the market.
Is there a Pennsylvania medical marijuana dispensary near me?
There are 181 medical marijuana dispensaries and 32 medical marijuana growers and processors in the state.
Zoning restrictions limit where pharmacies can operate, even within Philadelphia.
How much is marijuana taxed in Pennsylvania?
For patients, medical marijuana sales are tax-free.
The state collects 5% of gross receipts from medical marijuana sales from the grower or processor to the dispensary. That would not change under the recreational marijuana proposal.
Governor Shapiro has included recreational marijuana in his budget for the past two years with an estimated tax rate of 20%. However, the recreational marijuana bill currently being proposed in Congress would impose an 8% sales tax on top of the 5% excise tax, for a total of 13%.
Mr. Buettner, the industry advocate, said an effective tax rate of 13% is achievable given the charges in surrounding states, and there would be room for local governments to add their own taxes without scaring away consumers.
“We want to bring consumers back here in Pennsylvania that we already know are traveling out of state to purchase cannabis,” she said.
Can I be hired or fired for using medical marijuana in Pennsylvania?
A law passed in 2016 strengthens labor protections for patients and prohibits employers from refusing to hire or fire individuals based on their status as a medical marijuana patient. However, employers are allowed to enforce rules regarding their use in the workplace.
Can I grow medical marijuana at home in Pennsylvania?
)aNo. It is a felony for individuals to grow marijuana in Pennsylvania. Violators face a $15,000 fine and jail time.
