Pennsylvania House Democrats are urging the state’s residents to put pressure on senators to pass an adult‑use cannabis bill.
Pennsylvania legalized medical marijuana in 2016, but recreational cannabis is still illegal at a state level.
Voter attitudes towards adult-use in the state has changed greatly over the years. According to the Muhlenberg College Public Health Program 2025 Pennsylvania Health Survey, 52% of respondents favored the complete legalization of marijuana, compared to 21% opposed. That’s a significant shift since the year of medical legalization when 39% were in favor and 38% opposed.
The Cannabis Health & Safety Act – House Bill 1200 – was passed by the state’s House of Representatives in early May this year. However, the PA Senate Law & Justice Committee rejected the bill late that month.
The PA House Democrats say the Cannabis Health & Safety Act will:
- Give adults 21+ the power of choice.
- Bring in billions of dollars.
- Create public retail with public accountability.
- Protect health and protect minors.
They’ve published a template letter for residents to use that will be sent to eight senators as well as the senders’ own. The letter states in part:
“Virtually every state surrounding Pennsylvania has legal adult‑use cannabis, and it’s time for us to pass a law giving adults the power to choose. The Cannabis Health & Safety Act – House Bill 1200 – not only would have generated billions of dollars in revenue, it would have created jobs, protected communities, and kept cannabis out of the hands of kids. Please, do the right thing and start treating adults like me like actual adults. Give me the freedom of choice America was built upon and legalize adult‑use cannabis.”
Not all Republican senators are opposed to legalization. For example, a bipartisan bill recently introduced by state Sens. Dan Laughlin (R., Erie) and Sharif Street (D., Philadelphia) would legalize use for adults 21 and over.
Meanwhile, Pennsylvania’s medical cannabis program is still going strong. According to statistics current as at the middle of April 2025, there were 446,480 active patient certifications, 33 operational grower/processors, 1,897 approved practitioners and 187 operational dispensaries across the state. There had been $7.5 billion in sales since the program’s commencement.
Pennsylvanians who have one or more of 24 qualifying medical conditions are eligible to participate in the program. Further information is available here.
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