Rick Krajewski and Dan Frankel Announce Plan for Cannabis Legalization with a Focus on Public Health and Community Restoration

Decriminalization of Cannabis

HARRISBURG, Dec. 2, 2024 – Pennsylvania State Representatives Rick Krajewski and Dan Frankel have unveiled a proposal for groundbreaking legislation aimed at decriminalizing cannabis. The plan emphasizes the creation of a robust market that benefits public health, generates significant state revenue, and aids communities that have suffered due to past cannabis criminalization.

Rep. Krajewski, who previously led the House Health Subcommittee on Health Care, referenced insights gathered from a series of hearings analyzing the outcomes of cannabis programs in other states. “Having consulted public health experts and social equity advocates, we've learned from the experiences of other states how to implement this responsibly while generating substantial public income,” Krajewski remarked. “It’s crucial for Pennsylvania to act promptly to stay competitive.”

Currently, twenty-four states, including nearly all those bordering Pennsylvania, have legalized recreational marijuana. Support for cannabis decriminalization spans widely among Pennsylvanians of all political affiliations.

Rep. Frankel, the majority chair of the House Health Committee, emphasized the detrimental impact of cannabis criminalization, especially in communities of color. “The unjust policies of the past demand that we not only legalize cannabis but also address the harm they have caused,” Frankel stated. He pointed out the challenges faced by other states due to inadequate regulation and opposition from large out-of-state cannabis corporations. “Our legislation aims to establish a marketplace that safeguards public health, provides economic benefits to our taxpayers, and uplifts communities disproportionately affected by previous prohibition laws.”

The proposed legislation will focus on several key areas:

Implementing expungement and restorative justice measures for those adversely impacted by harsh drug laws.

Redirecting funds into communities most affected by the drug war.

Enhancing public health measures, including capping THC levels, curbing aggressive marketing, and implementing safeguards to prevent accidental consumption by children.

Encouraging the growth of sustainable cannabis businesses with opportunities for local and diverse owners.

“Prohibition was a deeply flawed and racially biased policy that specifically targeted and devastated Black and Brown communities,” said Krajewski. “As an advocate for criminal justice reform and chair of the Pennsylvania Sentencing Commission, I am committed to ensuring that the revenue from the cannabis industry is reinvested into the communities most affected by the War on Drugs and to assist those still burdened by criminal records towards a path of recovery.”

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