A bill to legalize cannabis was introduced in Pennsylvania last week. This bipartisan law would legalize the possession and retail sale of cannabis and includes waiver provisions for non-violent cannabis-related criminal charges.
It would also allow law enforcement to prosecute driving under the influence, eradicate illicit markets and ban the marketing of cannabis to children. Cannabis use requirements in the workplace for all who work in good faith would also be established.
In a statement, Senator Dan, Laughlin, the proponent of the proposal, said that “the legalization of adult use of cannabis is supported by an overwhelming majority of Pennsylvanians and this legislation achieves that goal while guaranteeing security and social equity. »
“Along with neighboring states of New Jersey and New York that have implemented adult use, we have a duty to the taxpayers of Pennsylvania to legalize adult use of marijuana to avoid losing hundreds of millions. dollars in new tax revenue and thousands of new jobs.
The bill also takes social equity into account and makes provisions for licenses to be granted to applicants with social and economic equity to sell cannabis, while leaving room for new and to ensure that demand in Pennsylvania is met, according to Dan Laughlin.
In light of Joe Biden’s announcement asking states to expunge prior cannabis-related convictions, Bill 846 would also expunge non-violent cannabis-related convictions for all such convictions.
Sharif Street added: “We have a unique and unique opportunity to correct decades of mass incarceration, disproportionate law enforcement against marginalized communities, criminalization of personal choice and perpetuation of violence, which all stem from the failure of the war on drugs. »
“Legalizing adult cannabis use will help us fully and fairly fund education, reduce property taxes, and meet a variety of community needs throughout Pennsylvania. »
