HARRISBURG, Pa. — Recreational cannabis is a growing trend among Pennsylvania’s neighbors. On Tuesday—Ohio joined Maryland, New York, and New Jersey in legalizing and regulating marijuana.
According to the PA Cannabis Coalition—more than 50% of Pennsylvanians live in a county that borders a state that has legalized marijuana. Executive Director Meredith Buettner is calling on state lawmakers to join its neighbors in legalizing the drug.
“It’s past time for us to take some action in Pennsylvania," said Buettner. “We are blocking our citizens from safe and secure access; we are failing to right the wrongs of cannabis prohibition.”
Last week the Pennsylvania House Health Committee held a hearing on marijuana legalization. Republican State Senator Mike Regan said he supports legalization to help boost tax revenue and to undercut drug cartels.
“There are so many states that are doing it now, so I think there’s good models out there," said Senator Regan. "The good ones are the ones who tax it low and can keep the bad guys out of the picture."
However, not everyone agrees. Dan Bartkowiak with the PA Family Institute is worried that legalizing marijuana will lead to increased recreational use among children.
“When you increase access, you increase the availability and use," said Bartkowiak. "So, you’re going to see more children be using and become, frankly, addicted to this drug.”
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, recent studies show 9% of marijuana users become dependent on it. That number increases to 17% for those who start using the drug in their teens.
People who spoke with FOX43 mostly agreed with legalization, saying Pa. is missing out on tax revenue and providing a safer product to customers.
“It’s a great industry, it’s a big industry, so we might as well get benefits from it as well," said Gabe Robinson.
“I think if it was more government-sanctioned, then we could see some good use for it," said Christian Nguyen.