Pro-cannabis interests spent at least $1.6 million lobbying the Pennsylvania legislature in 2024 as lawmakers weighed a legalization scheme that could see major profits for existing dispensaries and growers.
The legalization debate continues this year. In his latest budget pitch, Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro called on the legislature to allow recreational cannabis sales to adults, promising the move would bring the state $1.3 billion in desperately needed revenue in the first five years.
Shapiro needs a majority of lawmakers in the Democratic-controlled state House and GOP-led state Senate to get on board. There appears to be robust support in the lower chamber, though Democrats are still working to reach a consensus on how the state should structure the industry.
But in the upper chamber, many lawmakers — including key members of Republican leadership — have expressed reservations, citing health and public safety concerns.
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