This Bill passed the Health Committee on May 5, 2025
Then….it passed the House on May 6,2025
The Bill: HB1200
Title: Cannabis Health and Safety Act
What Does it Mean: This Act regulates cannabis, exempts it from penalties, and addresses convictions and expungements. It establishes Pennsylvania Cannabis Stores and the Cannabis Revenue Fund for community and substance use programs. The Liquor Control Board oversees licensing, packaging, and testing, with provisions for equity, recordkeeping, and penalties. The Departments of Agriculture and Revenue have new duties, and the Act authorizes bonds and repeals conflicting laws.
The Go Big Small Biz Network’s Position: We oppose: There are concerns about workplace issues, like managing employee cannabis use, navigating liability risks, workmen compensation and testing that has not caught up with the fast track legalization.
Passed: Health Committee 14-12 party lines, House 102(D)-101(R) party lines.
Quotes:
Rep.Krajewski(D),” Criminalization of cannabis does not work it does not deter usage it does not promote safety. It is not in the best interest of our Commonwealth. (criminalization)
Rep.Krupa(R), “I’m appalled how it is being rammed through the committee and legislature. This vote is not just about marijuana but how we govern. By scheduling a non-voting session on a Sunday to introduce a sweeping 173-page bill and then racing it through committee and toward a floor vote with barely 48 hours’ notice, we are undermining the legislative process itself.”
Rep.Venkat(D), “Cannabis is less dangerous than tobacco and alcohol both of which are legal and both of which are regulated.”
Rep.Walsh(R), “Regarding our labor force, we are already struggling with our labor force in PA. What has it done to, or have you looked at any studies on where this has been legalized?”
Rep.Krajewski(D), “I have not seen a study on labor and legalizing marijuana.”
