Will Pennsylvania Decriminalize Recreational Cannabis Soon? Know More Here
Over time, we have seen several states decriminalize cannabis for recreational and medical purposes. California, Maine, Ohio, New Jersey, and Delaware, among others, have legalized recreational marijuana use as well. In the state of Pennsylvania, cannabis hasn’t been legalized everywhere, except in Philadelphia, where only medical cannabis is allowed.
However, this is about to change very soon. And you need to know what it means for you or anyone you know who has a conviction regarding cannabis. It’s also important to know how a Pittsburgh criminal lawyer can help in this changing scenario.
The Legalization of Cannabis in Philadelphia
Medical cannabis might be legal, but it’s not without its restrictions. It’s important to know about the local regulations and rules. However, this is limited to the city. Consumption and possession of recreational cannabis are illegal in PA. So, the only way to use and buy cannabis in Philadelphia is by having a medical card issued by the state. The laws for specifications such as growing and possessing cannabis differ.
As Philadelphia decriminalized cannabis, you won’t be arrested if there’s 1 ounce of it in your possession. It won’t reflect on your criminal record either. However, you will be issued a notice for civil violation and pay a fine of $100. You would also need the services of an adept Pittsburgh criminal lawyer.
Public cannabis use is strictly prohibited in PA, even if you have a medical card for cannabis. This includes sidewalks, parks, workplaces, and restaurants. However, a bill for legalizing recreational marijuana advanced out of the PA House Health Committee in May 2025.
The Cannabis Health & Safety Act (HB1200)
The bill for recreational marijuana use has been approved with a party-line vote of 14-12. PA House Rep. Rick Krajewski and Rep. Dan Frankel, of Philadelphia, introduced this bill, proposing to legalize adult recreational cannabis use. It will now move to the complete PA House of Representatives for consideration. The Senate Bill proposes:
- Residents of the state aged 21 and older would be allowed possession of cannabis flower, concentrate, and THC in the following amounts:
- Cannabis flower, 30 gm
- Cannabis concentrate, 5 gm
- THC in products infused with cannabis, 1000 mg
- All cannabis products will be taxed: 6% sales tax and 8% excise tax.
- The state would set up a new and independent Pennsylvania Cannabis Control Board. This agency will be managing both medical and recreational cannabis licensing, seed-to-sale tracking, public health education, and enforcement.
- Individuals who have been charged with, convicted, or arrested for non-violent cannabis offenses will have their cannabis use records automatically expunged.
What’s Next
Before the reforms of 2016, many people got arrested for marijuana possession in Philadelphia. Many were charged with additional crimes, but they were mostly arrested for possessing meagre amounts of cannabis. Now, if the Cannabis Health & Safety Act (HB1200) passes the House of Representatives, these individuals will have a chance with the right Pittsburgh criminal lawyer by their side.
If you or anyone you know is serving a sentence or has a criminal record because of marijuana possession, this is good news. However, it’s important to note that records only related to marijuana possession will be erased. If you were arrested for other offenses, like DUI or fraud, those records won’t be expunged. Discuss the matter with an experienced Pittsburgh criminal lawyer to understand your situation.
A permanent conviction ruins employment chances or makes one lose financial aid. Decriminalizing recreational use can save thousands of lives every year. The government also won’t need to spend resources on policing such a non-violent offense. If you’ve been charged, get in touch with Logue Law Group. Our Pittsburgh criminal lawyer is here to help. So, contact us at sean@seanloguelaw.com now.