In some U.S. cities, nearly every block seems to boast cannabis dispensaries fashioned with a telltale green cross symbol. Inside, many resemble the modern minimalism of an Apple Store, and customers can find strains with varying concentrations of THC, cannabidiol (CBD) and other cannabinoids, yielding the physiological gamut between calm and energetic.
Two dozen U.S. states and the District of Columbia have legalized marijuana at the recreational level to date, with Ohio becoming the 24th just in November. With the exception of West Virginia, that leaves Pennsylvania surrounded by states that have in recent years passed bills legalizing adult-use pot — and vulnerable to losing out on potential profits. Close to $3 billion in tax revenue was generated in 2022 across states with legal cannabis, says the nonprofit Tax Foundation, based in Washington, D.C.
Cannabis legislation has seen bipartisan support in Pennsylvania over the years, including from state Sen. Mike Regan, R-Cumberland/York, and Sen. Dan Laughlin, R-Erie, both of whom have sponsored bills to update medical cannabis policy.
Source: Pennsylvania’s path to legalizing cannabis faces numerous hurdles
