Efforts to make recreational marijuana legal in Pennsylvania have hit a major roadblock. A state senate committee has voted against the bill, despite it getting approval in the state House just days earlier.
What Happened in the Senate?
On Tuesday, the proposed bill to legalize adult-use marijuana was rejected in a state senate committee. While it had already passed the House, the Senate’s support was crucial for it to move forward.
One of the surprising votes against the bill came from Democrat Lisa Boscola, a senator from the Lehigh Valley. She joined six Republicans in saying no to the bill.
Why Did Some Lawmakers Say No?
Senator Boscola explained that she does support legal marijuana for adults and believes many lawmakers on both sides — Democrats and Republicans — also support it. However, she did not agree with how the bill wanted to sell marijuana.
The bill suggested selling marijuana through state-owned stores, similar to how wine and spirits are sold in Pennsylvania. Boscola and others didn’t like this plan. They believe it’s not the right model for selling cannabis.
What Kind of Bill Does Boscola Support?
Instead of state-run stores, Boscola supports a different plan. This version was created by Democratic Senator Sharif Street from Philadelphia and a Republican senator from Erie. Their bill also supports legal marijuana for adults, but it allows private businesses to sell cannabis under state regulation, instead of using government-run stores.
This approach is seen as more flexible and more business-friendly, while still keeping safety and control through regulation.
What’s Next for Marijuana Legalisation in Pennsylvania?
While this version of the bill has failed in the Senate committee, the discussion around legal marijuana in Pennsylvania is not over. Lawmakers will likely keep working on a solution that both parties can agree on.
Supporters of legal marijuana say it could bring in new tax money for the state and reduce the number of people arrested for minor drug charges. Opponents still have concerns about safety, health, and how marijuana will be sold.