TCNNF - PA Gov Wants Cannabis Legalized It's Time To Catch Up With Other States And Earn $250M In Revenue He Says | Benzinga

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro (D) called on lawmakers to legalize cannabis in a budget address on Tuesday. Noting that five of the six border states have legalized some form of cannabis, the governor highlighted the potential economic boost that would come from reform.

"We're losing out on an industry that, once fully implemented, would bring in more than $250 million in annual revenue," Shapiro said "And our failure to legalize and regulate this only fuels the black market and drains much-needed resources for law enforcement. It's time to catch up."

"I ask you to come together and send a bill to my desk that legalizes marijuana," the governor continued. "That bill should ensure the industry is regulated and taxed responsibly. That we create jobs and build wealth here in Pennsylvania, especially in the communities that have been disproportionately harmed by criminalization."

Shapiro also mentioned expungement. "That bill should also contain a provision for those who have been convicted for nonviolent possession of small amounts of marijuana to have their records expunged. Let's stop hamstringing ourselves and start competing again in Pennsylvania.”