Sen. Dan Laughlin (R-49) and Sen. Sharif Street (D-3) today announced bipartisan legislation to legalize adult-use cannabis in Pennsylvania. Senate Bill 120 would create a regulated, equitable framework for cannabis use, cultivation and sales, while merging oversight of both medical and adult-use programs under a new independent Pennsylvania Cannabis Control Board.
“Adults should have the freedom to use cannabis responsibly, and Pennsylvania should have a legal system in place that ensures safety, accountability and fairness,” Laughlin said. “This legislation delivers that while keeping marijuana out of the hands of kids.”
Street said the bill also focuses on repairing past harm. “This plan legalizes cannabis in a way that lifts up communities impacted by prohibition,” Street said. “It includes expungement of low-level offenses, creates real opportunities for small and minority-owned businesses and reinvests in neighborhoods most harmed by past enforcement.”
The bill legalizes cannabis for adults 21 and older, with age verification required for all purchases and penalties for underage use or public consumption. It bans marketing to children, requires product testing and labeling and maintains employer rights to enforce drug-free workplace policies.
The new Cannabis Control Board would oversee licensing, enforcement, seed-to-sale tracking and public health education. Current medical marijuana permit holders could apply to expand into the adult-use market. The bill also creates permits for new entrants, particularly small businesses and applicants from disproportionately impacted communities, with access to grants and low-interest loans through the Department of Community and Economic Development.
Tax revenue from adult-use cannabis would be split between public safety, medical cannabis assistance, drug prevention programs, workforce development, equity grants and the state’s General Fund. The bill includes Clean Slate provisions to expunge non-violent cannabis offenses and decriminalizes certain cannabis-related activities.
Temporary regulations would be required within six months of enactment, with legal adult-use sales expected within 6 to 12 months.
“This bill is smart, fair and realistic,” Laughlin said. “It’s time Pennsylvania joined the growing number of states that are getting cannabis policy right.”
“This is about justice, jobs and responsible regulation,” Street added. “We’re proud to lead the way forward.”
SEN. LAUGHLIN CONTACT:
Chris Carroll; 814-453-2515
SEN. STREET CONTACT:
Yasmina Richardson; (717) 787-6735