Regular Session 2017-2018 House Resolution 0567 P.N. 2656

PRINTER'S NO. 2656

THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA

HOUSE RESOLUTION

No.

567

Session of

2017

INTRODUCED BY GAINEY, ROZZI, DEAN, BIZZARRO, RABB, STURLA,

McCLINTON, KINSEY, MULLERY, WHEATLEY, V. BROWN, SOLOMON,

DALEY AND SCHLOSSBERG, OCTOBER 26, 2017

REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON HEALTH, OCTOBER 26, 2017

A RESOLUTION

Directing the Joint State Government Commission to establish an

advisory committee to conduct an ongoing study on the

legalization or decriminalization of marijuana and to report

its findings and recommendations to the House of

Representatives.

WHEREAS, The use of marijuana for medicinal and recreational

purposes has been part of our society for many decades; and

WHEREAS, For many seriously ill patients, medical marijuana

has proven to be beneficial to relieve pain and suffering and

treat symptoms of their medical conditions; and

WHEREAS, Approximately half the states and Washington, DC,

have legalized marijuana for medical purposes; and

WHEREAS, In 2012, Colorado and Washington became the first

states to legally regulate marijuana; and

WHEREAS, As of 2017, Alaska, Colorado, Oregon, Washington and

Washington, DC, have legalized marijuana, while 16 other states

have decriminalized marijuana to some degree; and

WHEREAS, In 2014, Colorado collected more than $76 million in

marijuana taxes and fees, while Washington has been projected to

collect approximately $190 million in that state's first four

years as a result of its legalization of marijuana; and

WHEREAS, According to a recent Gallup poll, approximately 58%

of Americans support the legalization of marijuana, while only

approximately 40% are in opposition; and

WHEREAS, The legalization or decriminalization of marijuana

may achieve certain societal benefits, such as:

(1) saving public expenditures involving the

investigation, prosecution and incarceration of individuals

who use, possess or sell marijuana and marijuana products;

and

(2) enabling law enforcement officials and the criminal

justice system to devote greater resources to more serious

criminal activities;

and

WHEREAS, The legalization or decriminalization of marijuana

does not necessarily increase substance abuse or dependency

rates and may in fact destigmatize an individual from seeking

treatment because the social and criminal consequences are less

of a concern; and

WHEREAS, More information and statistics are necessary for

the General Assembly and the Commonwealth to better evaluate the

impact of the legalization or decriminalization of marijuana on

the health and safety of residents, the economy, law enforcement

and the criminal justice system of this Commonwealth; therefore

be it

RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives direct the Joint

State Government Commission to conduct an ongoing study on the

legalization or decriminalization of marijuana in this

Commonwealth and its effects on the health and safety of

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residents, the economy, law enforcement and the criminal justice

system of this Commonwealth; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Joint State Government Commission

establish an advisory committee consisting of approximately 25

members from across this Commonwealth, including:

(1) representatives from:

(i) the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs;

(ii) the Department of Education;

(iii) the Department of Health;

(iv) the Department of Human Services;

(v) the Insurance Department;

(vi) the Pennsylvania State Police;

(vii) the Health Care Cost Containment Council;

(viii) the Pennsylvania Commission on Sentencing;

(ix) the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and

Delinquency; and

(x) the Office of Attorney General;

(2) law enforcement officials;

(3) drug and alcohol service providers;

(4) professionals from the criminal justice system,

including, but not limited to, prosecutors, defense attorneys

and judges;

(5) other individuals with knowledge and expertise in

matters involving the subject of this resolution; and

(6) representatives from other departments or agencies

of the Commonwealth or from other entities that the Joint

State Government Commission deems appropriate in conducting

the study under this resolution;

and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Joint State Government Commission form the

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advisory committee within three months of the adoption of this

resolution; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Joint State Government Commission develop

reports in collaboration with the advisory committee, which, at

a minimum, include the following regarding the legalization or

decriminalization of marijuana:

(1) the effects of the health and safety of residents of

this Commonwealth, including patients with serious and

chronic medical conditions, children and families;

(2) the economic effects, including, but not limited to,

tax revenue generated, the costs associated with drug and

alcohol diagnosis and treatment and the changes in

expenditures associated with criminal investigations,

prosecutions and incarceration;

(3) the effects on drug and alcohol addiction rates;

(4) the effects on crime rates and incarceration rates;

(5) any changes in the relationship between law

enforcement officials and members of the community;

(6) the effects on law enforcement and criminal justice

procedures; and

(7) any other matters deemed appropriate by the Joint

State Government Commission;

and be it further

RESOLVED, That the reports of the Joint State Government

Commission also contain:

(1) nationwide statistics regarding marijuana use and

the effects of the legalization or decriminalization of

marijuana;

(2) a summary of the laws from other jurisdictions

regarding the use of marijuana; and

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(3) policy recommendations and proposed legislation

regarding the use of marijuana in this Commonwealth and

related issues;

and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Joint State Government Commission may, as

it deems necessary, hold informational meetings to receive

testimony from professionals or organizations with expertise in

the matters described in this resolution; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Joint State Government Commission issue an

initial report of its findings and recommendations to the House

of Representatives no later than one year after the adoption of

this resolution; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Joint State Government Commission issue

comprehensive reports of its findings and recommendations to the

House of Representatives at least every two years after the

issuance of the initial report.

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