Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro is once again urging the state legislature to legalize recreational marijuana for adults, but with many advocates questioning its prospects in 2026.
Shapiro's annual budget proposal highlights the benefits of cannabis legalization, including $729.4 million in revenue from taxes and licensing fees in the first year of implementation. However, his efforts may be hindered by a divided legislature, particularly the Republican-controlled Senate.
Cannabis advocates express mixed feelings about the state's outlook, with some viewing it as a long shot. Chris Goldstein, regional director for the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws, argues that Shapiro's proposal is an example of "reinventing the wheel" and suggests that the state store model could create barriers for entrepreneurs in other parts of the industry.
The lack of traction on marijuana legalization has led to criticism from advocates. Meredith Buettner, executive director of the Pennsylvania Cannabis Coalition, states that the proposed bill is still an impediment to progress due to its political nature. She notes that the federal government's reclassification of cannabis as a Schedule III drug under the Controlled Substances Act may be a crucial factor in changing the tone of the conversation in Harrisburg.
State Sen. Sharif Street, a long-time marijuana reform advocate, praises the push to reschedule cannabis and sees an opportunity for Pennsylvania to move forward with legalization. However, it remains unclear whether his bipartisan bill will be reintroduced this year.
Goldstein highlights the daily injustices that can be solved through marijuana reform in Pennsylvania, such as the 8,900 people arrested for marijuana possession last year. Despite these challenges, Buettner remains optimistic that something can happen and believes the conversation will continue to percolate in Harrisburg throughout the year.
As Shapiro faces re-election and lawmakers vie for open seats in the legislature, marijuana could become a powerful political tool for connecting with voters across the spectrum. However, it is uncertain whether all of the talk will turn into action.
Shapiro's annual budget proposal highlights the benefits of cannabis legalization, including $729.4 million in revenue from taxes and licensing fees in the first year of implementation. However, his efforts may be hindered by a divided legislature, particularly the Republican-controlled Senate.
Cannabis advocates express mixed feelings about the state's outlook, with some viewing it as a long shot. Chris Goldstein, regional director for the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws, argues that Shapiro's proposal is an example of "reinventing the wheel" and suggests that the state store model could create barriers for entrepreneurs in other parts of the industry.
The lack of traction on marijuana legalization has led to criticism from advocates. Meredith Buettner, executive director of the Pennsylvania Cannabis Coalition, states that the proposed bill is still an impediment to progress due to its political nature. She notes that the federal government's reclassification of cannabis as a Schedule III drug under the Controlled Substances Act may be a crucial factor in changing the tone of the conversation in Harrisburg.
State Sen. Sharif Street, a long-time marijuana reform advocate, praises the push to reschedule cannabis and sees an opportunity for Pennsylvania to move forward with legalization. However, it remains unclear whether his bipartisan bill will be reintroduced this year.
Goldstein highlights the daily injustices that can be solved through marijuana reform in Pennsylvania, such as the 8,900 people arrested for marijuana possession last year. Despite these challenges, Buettner remains optimistic that something can happen and believes the conversation will continue to percolate in Harrisburg throughout the year.
As Shapiro faces re-election and lawmakers vie for open seats in the legislature, marijuana could become a powerful political tool for connecting with voters across the spectrum. However, it is uncertain whether all of the talk will turn into action.
I mean, we're living in 2025 and a lot of states have already made it legal, but PA is still all like "meh" 
. Shapiro's proposal makes some sense, I guess - that $729 MILLION REVENUE GOES A LONG WAY 
BUT at the same time, I don't think it's going to be easy to get it passed with a divided legislature. AND IT'S ALWAYS FUNNY WHEN ADVOCATES START FIGHTING AMONG THEMSELVES 
like Goldstein and Buettner - just pick a side already! 
i'm literally dying over here 
josh shapiro's budget proposal is like, super convincing tho! $729m in revenue? that's crazy 
i'm all for it, let's get this bud train rolling!!! 
even tho the repubs are being all stubborn, imo we should just focus on the pro's and not worry about the cons 
let's get those 8900 ppl out of jail who got busted for weed last yr 
meredith buettner is like, so right on it 
we gotta make this happen, even if it takes a lil while 
... I mean, we got Shapiro's numbers and all, but have you seen the Senate? They're like, super divided 
... like, can't we get some innovation in here for once? 
. And let's be real, those 8,900 people who got arrested last year need some serious help 
... if we can make this happen, it'd be a major step forward.
. Still, you gotta give Buettner points for staying optimistic 
... and who knows? Maybe this thing will just take off 
is $729.4 million and it's a sweet incentive for him to keep pushing
can change tone of conversation in harrisburg
I'm so frustrated that the legislative process is moving so slow on this one 
. And then there's Buettner and Goldstein going back and forth like they're in a debate show...it's like, can we just agree on something already? 
But at the end of the day, I think it's all about finding that sweet spot where everyone's happy 
. Like, if the state recategorizes cannabis as Schedule III, maybe that'll be the wake-up call Harrisburg needs 
. Until then, it's just gonna be a long shot...or should I say, a long toke?