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Pennsylvania may become the next legal state

Pennsylvania is one of 19 states where people can still be jailed for simple cannabis possession. Most neighboring states — except West Virginia — have legalized it, and voters strongly support legalization. But without a ballot initiative process, only the legislature can make it law.

Now, change might be coming. In November, House Majority Leader Matt Bradford (D) said there’s momentum in the House, and Governor Josh Shapiro (D) has called for legalization in his 2024 and 2025 budgets.

The House Health Committee held hearings in 2024. Chairman Dan Frankel (D) and Rep. Rick Krajewski (D) plan to introduce a bill for state-run cannabis stores — though federal law could make that approach costly and complicated.

In the Senate, Sens. Dan Laughlin (R) and Sharif Street (D) plan to propose a bill allowing private stores. Senate President Kim Ward (R) says if legalization is going to happen, the governor needs to lead the way.