PA Governor Shapiro Renews Legalization Push
February 11, 2025Pennsylvania governor Josh Shapiro has once again called on the state legislature to establish a framework for legal cannabis sales in the Keystone State. The move, the third time the governor has implored the legislature to legalize cannabis, would create a market of nearly $3 billion, according to a projection by FTI Consulting. Pennsylvania is bordered on all sides by states with adult-use markets. It does have a large medical market, but continues to see residents visit neighboring states for adult-use cannabis purchases.
As in Shapiro’s last two proposals, the governor has again suggested that the state legalize cannabis and enact a 20% wholesale tax, potentially creating up to $1.8 billion in tax revenue over the next five years. While past efforts have failed in Pennsylvania’s Republican-controlled senate, the commonwealth is facing a serious budget crisis this year, with a deficit nearing $3.7 billion. That could potentially move votes in legalization’s favor.—Shane English
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