An adult-use cannabis bill was announced February 24, 2021 by State Senators Sharif Street (D-Philadelphia) and Dan Laughlin (R-Erie). The bill would legalize possession of up to 30 grams for those 21 and over, while limiting at-home cultivation to medicinal use. Noting New Jersey’s recent legalization, and New York’s intention to legalize adult-use cannabis this year, the Senators stressed the importance of Pennsylvania legalizing now to avoid ceding tax revenue and jobs to their neighbors. Under the bill, cannabis products would be subject to a 10 percent excise tax, in addition to Pennsylvania’s state tax.
The bi-partisan bill follows Governor Tom Wolf’s call for legalization earlier this year. We will continue to monitor this bill as it progresses through the legislative process.