The Pennsylvania House of Representatives on Wednesday narrowly passed a measure to legalize recreational use of marijuana with purchases permitted only through shops run by the state.
The vote, 102-101, was largely along party lines with Democrats prevailing.
The measure now goes to the Republican-controlled Senate, where it faces opponents of both legalization and of the state-run store model.
The Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board, which runs state liquor stores, would operate the stores.
“The reality is the criminalization of cannabis does not work, it does not deter usage, it does not promote safety, and it is not in the best interest of our commonwealth,” said the sponsor of House Bill 1200, Rep. Rick Krajewski (D-Philadelphia).
One opponent, Sen. Dan Laughlin, (R-Erie), chair of the Senate Law and Justice Committee, posted on social media: “There is no path forward in the Senate for a state store model for adult-use cannabis.”
Currently 24 states and the District of Columbia have legalized recreational marijuana. Pennsylvania, along with 39 other states and D.C., allow marijuana use for medical purposes.
Topics Pennsylvania Cannabis
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