Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility Krajewski, Frankel introduce landmark Adult-Use Cannabis Legislation

Krajewski, Frankel introduce landmark Adult-Use Cannabis Legislation

Plan will be debated soon by House Health Committee

Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus    May 4, 2025 | 5:48 PM

HARRISBURG, May 4 — Reps. Rick Krajewski, D-Phila., and Dan Frankel, D-Allegheny, officially introduced long-awaited legislation to legalize adult-use cannabis in Pennsylvania — a bold, thoughtful proposal designed to center public health, repair communities harmed by prohibition, and create a stable, sustainable market.

"The time is now for Pennsylvania," said Krajewski, who spent the last legislative session leading six hearings to study the successes and shortcomings of cannabis programs nationwide. "We have listened carefully to public health experts, criminal justice reformers, small business advocates and community leaders. Our bill reflects what we've learned — that we can and must legalize cannabis in a way that is safe, equitable and beneficial to all Pennsylvanians."

With 24 states — including nearly all of Pennsylvania’s neighbors — having already legalized recreational cannabis, and public opinion overwhelmingly in support, the lawmakers say the commonwealth cannot afford to wait any longer.

The next step for the legislation is consideration by the House Health Committee Frankel chairs.

"By legalizing and regulating cannabis thoughtfully, we can avoid pitfalls that have marred roll outs in other states,” Frankel said. “Our plan will create clear rules that protect consumers, educate the public, and ensure that Pennsylvania small businesses and taxpayers – not out-of-state corporations -- benefit from the profits.”

Key priorities of the bill include:

  • Automatically clearing criminal records and advancing restorative justice for those impacted by cannabis-related offenses.
  • Reinvesting tax revenue into communities disproportionately harmed by the War on Drugs.
  • Implementing critical public health protections, including THC limits, marketing restrictions and child safety measures.
  • Creating pathways for diverse and local entrepreneurs to participate in the regulated cannabis market, with priority on licensing and contracting.
  • Maximizing state revenue and accountability with publicly owned and accountable retail stores.

As structured in the Cannabis Health and Safety Act, the hybrid marketplace is projected to bring in more than a half-billion dollars for the commonwealth every year from both taxes and profits.

"Prohibition was never about public safety — it was about control and punishment, targeting and devastating Black and Brown Pennsylvanians," said Krajewski. "The cannabis industry has been monopolized by corporatized private equity and it is time to propose an alternative retail model that will benefit all Pennsylvanians. We need to repair the harms of criminalization, create family-sustaining union jobs and make this industry work for all of us.”

The House Health Committee is expected to take up the legislation soon, marking the start of an historic debate in the General Assembly.