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PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Adult-use marijuana is one of several things on Gov. Josh Shapiro’s wish list that did not make it into this year’s budget.
While support continues to grow in the state legislature, some lawmakers want to ensure a focus on criminal justice reform and social equity.
“At this point, almost every state around the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania has already legalized it, which means now we’re just watching revenue go across the border,” said Philadelphia State Senator and Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus member Sharif Street.
According to Shapiro, legalized marijuana could bring in $250 million annually.
Caucus Chairman Montgomery County state rep. Napolean Nelson says, while there is a lot of nuance to legalization, and many benefits economically, he says legislation must include exoneration and expungement for anyone with a marijuana conviction and a fund to invest in recidivism programs, transitional housing, and parks and recreation centers.
“The purpose of this fund is for the restoration of communities that have been disproportionately impacted by cannabis through an above average history of cannabis-related arrests.”
The caucus says while usage rates are similar among Black and white people, Black people are four or five times more likely to have a marijuana-related encounter with police.
Supporters also note legalization undercuts the black market, decreasing drug-related violence and tainted products from unknown origins.
“I live in and we represent communities that were disproportionately impacted by the war on cannabis,” Street said. “We want to make sure that those folks can benefit from a legal cannabis market, we want to make sure that people can get licenses and be grower processors, but also own dispensaries.”
“}]] Adult-use marijuana is one of several things on Gov. Josh Shapiro’s wish list that did not make it into this year’s budget. While support continues to grow, some lawmakers want to ensure a focus on criminal justice reform and social equity. Read More