There’s another push to decriminalize marijuana in Pennsylvania and a Pittsburgh State Rep. says we’re closer than ever to the measure passing.
Democratic Rep. Emily Kinkead of Allegheny and Republican Rep. Abby Major of Armstrong/Westmoreland have introduced a bipartisan bill that would legalize recreational cannabis for adult use in PA.
Kinkead tells The Big K Morning Show a bill to legalize weed was passed by the House earlier this year but was voted down in the Senate.
“I think just the simple fact that we got a bill to legalize out of the House, its further than we’ve ever been before,” Kinkead told Larry Richert. “The fact that we have bipartisan legislation both in the House and the Senate, I think that is a really good indication that we will get it done.”
Kinkead adds she has hope that the bill will get done during this current session in Harrisburg.
“Representative Kinkead and I have worked diligently to craft a piece of legislation that we believe both parties can get behind using lessons learned from the other 24 states that have already done so,” Major said in a release. “Anyone who believes in personal liberty and fiscal responsibility for Pennsylvania should support the legalization of adult-use cannabis.”
Kinkead and Major say the key features of the bill include:
Independent regulation through a program overseen by an independent commission of experts, ensuring transparency and integrity in the implementation and regulation of cannabis.
Strong regulatory guardrails that will help eradicate the illicit cannabis market and keep consumers safe.
Justice reform in the form of a “clean slate” policy for those with prior cannabis-related convictions.
Inclusive economic growth opportunities for small businesses, including rural, minority, female and veteran-owned enterprises.
Consumer safety provisions regarding labeling, packaging and advertising to protect children from being targeted.
Funding to assist law enforcement and local municipalities hosting cannabis businesses.
Listen to the discussion above for more on the latest with legalized weed in PA.