Posted: | December 21, 2022 03:00 PM |
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From: | Senator Marty Flynn |
To: | All Senate members |
Subject: | Legalizing Cannabis through the State Stores System |
In the near future, I plan to introduce legislation that will provide for the legalization of adult-use cannabis utilizing the existing state store system for sales and distribution. Using the existing state store system will not only ensure the safety and integrity of cannabis sales in the Commonwealth, but also will prevent large, out-of-state corporations from dominating the industry. This will ensure that profits remain in the Commonwealth, and that those profits will not supersede the well-being of our communities. Additionally, this legislation would expunge low-level cannabis convictions as well as permit individuals to grow up to six cannabis plants – including those that are mature and flowering. Together, these two actions will provide for a more fair, equitable system that seeks to move Pennsylvania forward. According to the former Auditor General Eugene DePasquale, legalizing adult-use cannabis in Pennsylvania could lead to a $1.66 billion industry that would generate more than 18,000 jobs and hundreds of millions of dollars in tax revenue every year. These direct, positive benefits must be considered as other states – including our neighbors – develop similar programs. Please join me in supporting this proposal, prioritizing safe sales and distribution alongside retaining economic benefits for the Commonwealth. |