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Pennsylvania House of Representatives
https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/Legis/CSM/showMemoPublic.cfm?chamber=H&SPick=20190&cosponId=27539
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House of Representatives
Session of 2019 - 2020 Regular Session

MEMORANDUM

Posted: January 8, 2019 03:33 PM
From: Representative Ed Gainey
To: All House members
Subject: JSGC Resolution - Ongoing Study of Marijuana Decriminalization/Legalization
 
Medical marijuana was legalized in the Commonwealth in 2016, and in the last decade, marijuana laws have changed in states all over the country. In fact, twenty-three states and Washington, D.C have either legalized or decriminalized small amounts of marijuana, and I believe it is time that Pennsylvania consider the benefits of taking the next step.

In order to gain substantial information regarding the subject, I propose we direct the Joint State Government Commission (JSGC) 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. The use of marijuana for medicinal and recreational purposes has been part of our society for many decades, and because many states are updating their marijuana laws, it is timely for the House of Representative to explore the matters of legalization and decriminalization more thoroughly and on a long-term basis.

Additionally, a study by the JSGC is warranted because more information and statistics for the General Assembly would help 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 in Pennsylvania. Please join me in gathering information to make a responsible, educated decision regarding marijuana use in the Commonwealth.