HARRISBURG – State Sen. Dan Laughlin (R-49) issued the following statement on 420 Day:
“On April 20, or 420 Day, cannabis users around the globe celebrate marijuana use and rally for efforts to legalize adult use where it is prohibited.
“Here in Pennsylvania, where we have a medical marijuana (MMJ) program but adult recreational use remains prohibited, public opinion is strong for legalizing adult use and support for it continues to grow in the halls of the state Capitol.
“Last year, I joined with Sen. Sen. Sharif Street (D-3) to introduce Senate Bill 473 that would legalize adult use marijuana in Pennsylvania and prioritize safety, community reinvestment, social and economic equity and agriculture, as well as create vital tax revenue for the Commonwealth.
“Legalization must be done the right way, and my bill ensures a legalized Pennsylvania market is implemented safely and responsibly, with a thoughtful approach that provides opportunities to medical and recreational consumers, farmers and small, medium and minority-owned businesses.
“Pennsylvania’s MMJ program has offered lifesaving medicine to communities across the state since 2016, but there’s always room for improvement, particularly as it relates to cost and access.
“That’s why Sen. Street and I introduced Senate Bill 1024 to allow Pennsylvania’s MMJ patients to grow a limited number of cannabis plants from their home for personal use. It’s also why I plan to soon introduce legislation giving MMJ patients the ability to buy medical cannabis edibles that are safe, uniform and securely packaged and labeled.
“Pennsylvanians support adult-use marijuana – it is critical that policy meets people where they are.”
CONTACT: Dawn Fidler dfidler@pasen.gov