All the cool kids are legalizing weed. 🌱 And by cool kids, we mean … basically all of Pennsylvania's neighbors. Come on, we know you've crossed the bridge into the Dirty Jerz to grab some edibles. 😆🍬
A brand new bill proposed by a couple of state senators brings a new push to legalize recreational weed in PA. 📄 We've got the story so far.
Here’s Five Fast Facts on the new push for legal weed in PA:
- 🫡 Follow the Leader - If passed, the new bill would make Pennsylvania the 24th state to make recreational marijuana legal. PA legalized medicinal marijuana back in 2016.
- 🙋🏼♂️ Howdy, Neighbor - Four of PA's neighboring states have already legalized weed: New York, New Jersey, Delaware, and Maryland. The state's new bill comes soon after Maryland officially pulled the trigger on July 1st.
- 🤝 It's a Crowdpleaser - Both sides of the aisle agree legalization would bring major benefits. Republicans are fans of the potential boost in tax revenue and that it allows cops to focus on more serious threats to public safety. Democrats believe legalization is a necessary step forward on the path to criminal justice reform.
- 💸 In the Shadows - Although activists are generally jazzed about legal weed, they also worry the wholesale tax rate would keep sales in the black market. The proposed wholesale tax rate is 20%.
- 🚭 Anti-Tokers Society - People opposed to legalization worry about workplace safety issues, an increase in DUIs, and a federal-state legal clash that could jeopardize gun owners. Plus, health risks to young people getting hooked early.
🔥Bottom line: A similar bill was introduced in 2021, but it was a total flop. Officials believe this new bill could be a winner. The state's losing out on tax revenue as residents head to neighboring states to get their smoke on. Will the Keystone State see legalization before the end of 2023? We'll just have to wait and see.
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