A pair of Pennsylvania senators have unveiled a plan to legalize and regulate recreational marijuana for adult use. The bill, which reads like a pot progressives’ wish list, has already stirred up high-ranking Republican opposition. But even with long odds, the legislation, which includes provisions for home grow, public consumption and release from prison, is starting off Pennsylvania’s latest push for legalization on the right foot.
Public Lounges and Release from Prison Included in Pennsylvania Senators’ Legalization Plan
State Sen. Daylin Leach (D-Montgomery/Delaware) and Sen. Sharif Street (D-Philadelphia) have co-authored a bill, SB 350, to legalize cannabis. And on Monday, they circulated their joint proposal and called on colleagues to co-sponsor it. The move represents the latest effort to legalize and regulate adult-use in Pennsylvania. But unlike legislative efforts in other states, Leach and Sharif haven’t compromised-in-advance with the opponents of legalization. Instead, their bill checks nearly every box when it comes to progressive drug policy reform.
Like the 10 other U.S. states (and D.C.) with legal marijuana, Pennsylvania would set broad guidelines for personal possession and consumption for adults 21 and over. But Leach and Sharif’s bill goes much further. It would allow home cultivation of up to six mature plants and permit the home delivery of retail cannabis products. While prohibiting public consumption, SB 350 would permit licensed lounges where people can consume cannabis socially.
Perhaps most striking, however, are the criminal justice provisions of Sens. Leach and Sharif’s bill. Laws legalizing cannabis in other states all include provisions for criminal record expungement for non-violent, minor marijuana offenses. Many also require prosecutors to drop any pending marijuana cases. But SB 350 would actually get people out of jail. If passed, anyone currently incarcerated for a misdemeanor marijuana convictions