HARRISBURG (Newsradio 1020 KDKA) - State Rep. Jake Wheatley, D-Allegheny formally introduced H.B. 50, while would legalize adult-use recreational cannabis in Pennsylvania.
An earlier report from Auditor General Eugene DePasquale said legalized cannabis in Pennsylvania could generate $580 million in tax revenue. The bill would reinvest that money into several initiatives including affordable housing, afterschool programs and student debt forgiveness.
Wheatley said it also places an emphasis on criminal justice reform.
"It would automatically expunge the records of individuals who would have legally been able to posess the controlled substance. It would also give them automatic reinstatement of their licenses."
Pennsylvania passed a law in 2016 legalizing medicinal marijuana. The Wolf Administration is planning a series of listening sessions across the state regarding the legalization of recreational cannabis.