Pennsylvania is among the few states in the Northeast, despite mounting public support and pressure from neighboring states, to have not legalized recreational marijuana use. Even though marijuana is legal for medical purposes for those who own a medical card online, it is still illegal for recreational users to possess or consume cannabis.
The state’s strict stance on cannabis is reflected in the fact that even small amounts of possession can result in fines or even jail time. The following penalties will apply under Pennsylvania’s recreational marijuana law in 2024:
| Charge | Grade | Maximum Fine | Maximum Incarceration |
| Possession of 30 grams or above of marijuana but for personal use | Ungraded Misdemeanor | $5,000 (first offense)$25,000 (subsequent offense) | 1 year (first offense)3 years (subsequent offense) Charge |
| Possession of under 30 grams of marijuana but for personal use | Ungraded Misdemeanor | $500 first offense | 30 days |
| Possession of Drug Paraphernalia | Ungraded Misdemeanor | $2,500 | 1 year |
However, a few legislators and activists are working to amend the state’s marijuana laws, and they intend to present a recreational marijuana bill in Pennsylvania in 2024 that would lift the ban on adult-use cannabis.
“In my opinion, Pennsylvania legalized adult-use cannabis when they legalized the medical program in 2015,” said Sen. Dan Laughlin. I believe that everyone is aware of how simple it is to obtain a medical card. Even though it’s a necessary step, you can avoid using cannabis for adult use.
The Independent Fiscal Office has estimated that legalizing marijuana for recreational use in Pennsylvania could result in an annual tax revenue of between $400 million and $1 billion.
“I think it is time for Pennsylvania to take a serious and honest look at legalizing recreational marijuana,” tweeted Governor Wolf in December 2018 after a constituent Q&A session.
A month later, Wolf declared that Lieutenant Governor John Fetterman would be conducting a statewide tour to solicit public feedback on the proposal.
The governor first stated that he supported the legalization of recreational use after the tour. They demanded that the state legislature take three steps following the publication of the positive tour report.
- Decriminalize the small-scale possession of cannabis.
- Eliminate past cannabis convictions.
- Legalization of recreational use is being considered.
The Latest Push for Legalization!
On July 6, 2023, Senate Bill 846 was introduced. It established a Cannabis Regulatory Control Board that would replace the Department of Health. Applications and licenses from cannabis shops wishing to sell in the state would be handled by the board. Additionally, the bill legalizes marijuana use for recreational purposes for people 21 years of age and older. They could have:
30 grams of flowering cannabis.
THC content in edible or non-edible cannabis products cannot exceed 1,000 mg.
Five grams of concentrate made from cannabis.
Additionally, the bill imposed an 8% sales tax on cannabis-related goods. Nonetheless, a 5% excise tax on sales would need to be paid by retailers. A lot of people think that the bill is a revised version of Senate Bill 473. During the 2021–2022 session, a bill to legalize marijuana was attempted but failed. But not every Democrat is in favor of PA’s recreational marijuana laws. Concerns regarding the effects on society and the high rate of addiction are voiced by many Democrats. In addition, they disagree on matters such as how much marijuana should be taxed, how licenses for its sale should be granted, and how to ensure that everyone has an equal opportunity to participate in the company.
What to Expect in 2024?
In 2024, Democrats in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives might advocate for the legalization of marijuana for recreational use.
Speaking about the legalization of marijuana, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro (D) said that state officials “don’t even have a choice anymore, given how quickly this movement is progressing across our region and the country.”
Representative Dan Frankel intends to legalize and encourage the sale of marijuana for recreational purposes in Pennsylvania. Despite the fact that the representative’s bill has not yet been formally introduced, the memo was distributed in January. Rep. Dan Frankel recently convened a hearing on cannabis in the House Health Committee and plans to hold more hearings.
According to early indications, this bill will propose selling high-potency THC marijuana products for recreational use through state stores and already-existing medical cannabis dispensaries, with the implementation of this proposal facilitated by the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board.
Also Read: What Is THCA Flower
As of 2024, the Only Legal Way to Use Marijuana in Pennsylvania is Through Medical Marijuana!
You can use marijuana for medical purposes if you have a Pennsylvania medical marijuana card. With this card, qualified patients can purchase cannabis products from authorized retailers. The Pennsylvania Department of Health is in charge of overseeing the medical marijuana program.
You can obtain your Pennsylvania medical marijuana card with the assistance of the Pennsylvania MMJ Card Doctor. Our team of certified medical professionals is skilled in providing recommendations for medicinal marijuana. Patients can easily receive the relief they deserve with our streamlined certification process and convenient telemedicine appointments. Give us a call right now to arrange your assessment.
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