Democratic state representatives Rick Krajewski (Philadelphia) and Dan Frankel (Allegheny) have announced plans to introduce landmark legislation to decriminalize cannabis in Pennsylvania. Their initiative comes amid increasing support for cannabis reform across the United States, where 24 states have already legalized recreational use.
The lawmakers unveiled a co-sponsorship memo detailing the proposed legislation focusing on public health protections, state revenue generation, and support for communities disproportionately affected by cannabis prohibition.
Rep. Krajewski, who has chaired multiple hearings on cannabis programs nationwide, highlighted the urgency of the bill. “We’ve heard from public health experts. We’ve heard from criminal justice and social equity advocates. We’ve learned directly from states across the country how to get this done safely and efficiently, generating hundreds of millions of dollars in public revenue,” he said. “It’s time to move forward in Pennsylvania before we fall further behind.”
A Matter of Social Equity and Restorative Justice
A core element of the proposed bill is its focus on addressing the harm caused by decades of cannabis criminalization, particularly within communities of color. Rep. Frankel emphasized the moral imperative of this approach. “We have a moral obligation to not only legalize but also to work to repair the damage caused by decades of marijuana arrests,” he said.
The bill prioritizes key areas such as:
- Expungement of criminal records for individuals convicted of cannabis-related offenses.
- Reinvestment of funds into communities disproportionately impacted by the War on Drugs.
- Public Health measures to limit excessive THC levels, restrict predatory marketing, and prevent accidental ingestion by children.
- Support for local and diverse cannabis businesses, especially opportunities for minority operators in the industry.
“Prohibition was a reckless and racist policy which deliberately targeted and destroyed Black and Brown communities,” Krajewski added. “As a criminal justice organizer and chair of the Pennsylvania Sentencing Commission, I’m fighting to ensure that we reinvest revenue generated from the cannabis industry into areas most impacted by the War on Drugs.”
State-Run Dispensaries as a Viable Option
The proposed bill outlines a model for state-controlled cannabis sales, similar to Pennsylvania’s state-owned liquor stores. It would also create opportunities for private businesses in cultivation and consumption sites. Rep. Frankel noted the potential for cannabis sales at existing liquor stores, with the Liquor Control Board expanding into a new Liquor and Cannabis Control Board.
“It’s a substantial bill,” Frankel said. “It’s a complex issue and [we are] trying to address many different aspects of adult use.”
However, the state-run dispensary model has faced pushback. Critics argue it may limit opportunities for minority business owners, a concern echoed by Brittany Crampsie of Responsible PA, a pro-cannabis lobbying group. “Certain social equity aspects may be difficult to achieve with a state-store model,” she said, adding that private dispensaries could better incentivize minority ownership.
Challenges and Debates Ahead
While the bill marks a significant step forward, it is expected to face considerable debate and potential revisions. Expanding the Liquid Control Board’s purview to include cannabis could be controversial, especially among Republicans who have pushed to privatize liquor sales. Additionally, existing cannabis businesses have expressed reservations about a state-run model.
Despite these challenges, the bill has garnered optimism among advocates and lawmakers. Rep. Napoleon Nelson, chair of the Legislative Black Caucus, highlighted the importance of criminal justice and equity measures. “There has to be real criminal justice reforms that come with now endorsing and building an industry that folks have been locked up for,” Nelson said.
A Change for Cannabis in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania’s move toward legalization comes as neighboring states, including New York and New Jersey, have already implemented recreational cannabis programs. Medical marijuana has been legal in Pennsylvania since 2016.
As federal prohibition remains intact, state initiatives like this represent critical steps in addressing public health, justice, and economic development. With growing bipartisan interest, advocates hope this session will bring Pennsylvania closer to joining the list of states with legalized recreational cannabis.
“Opening up a market that is ready, safe, and responsible on day one is our priority,” said Crampsie. “We aren’t going into this to play hardball on every single thing our members want in every single piece.”
