DAUPHIN COUNTY, Pa. (WHP) — Recreational marijuana is available in nearly half of the United States; however, that list does not include Pennsylvania.
After much deliberation and redrafting, House Democrats in the commonwealth are hoping to pass the legalization bill, House Bill 1200, in the next few months.
“Again this has been done in so many other states, so many others have figured it out, I cannot believe that Pennsylvania can’t figure it out,” said Representative Dave Madsen (D).
The bill, which has already made it further than any previous attempt, introduces the “state-store” model. This would establish state-run marijuana stores similar to the alcohol equivalent Fine Wine and Good Spirits.
Republicans say this would lead to an overreach of government.
“That’s always gonna be a problem, let alone what we found in the bill,” said Pennsylvania House Representative Leader, Jesse Topper (R). “Which was an overreach of government just doing everything in our opinion the wrong way.”
Even after making it through the House, it will be continue to be a tough for the bill to make it through the Senate.
