Katelyn Baker
Well-Known Member
Legalizing recreational marijuana use in Pennsylvania is on the mind of one state representative, according to a memo circulated earlier this month.
In his memo, state Rep. Jordan Harris, D-Philadelphia, notes Pennsylvania's budget woes and the need for more revenue. Other states have generated millions in tax revenue, Harris' memo states, mentioning nearly $70 million in Washington over one year and $135 million in Colorado.
Since Colorado's population is half that of Pennsylvania, Harris predicts more revenue would be raised here by marijuana that would be regulated and sold legally in state liquor stores.
This Philly Voice story asks if Pennsylvania could be the next state to legalize recreational marijuana.
An effort to legalize forms of medical marijuana took years to clear the state legislature and receive the governor's approval.
Decriminalization efforts
While there have been discussions around the state to decriminalize marijuana - most recently in Harrisburg - there was a proposal in the House to lessen the penalty for people caught for the first or second time with less than 30 grams of marijuana.
Possession of a small amount of marijuana is an ungraded misdemeanor, which comes with a maximum punishment of 30 days in jail and a $500 fine, according to a memo circulated by Rep. Barry Jozwiak, R-Berks County for House Bill 1422. If a first or second offense were graded as a summary offense, a citation would result.
But offenders would still have a criminal record and face fines of $500, $750 or $1,000, and that's why PhillyNORML member Chris Goldstein opposes Jozwiak's bill.
"Young people, low income residents and people of color will suffer greatly under an increase in possession fines," Goldstein said in a statement. He offered his support to Rep. Ed Gainey's H.B. 2076, which would make a maximum fine of $100 for small amounts of marijuana possession.
Philadelphia has a code violation of $25 and Pittsburgh has a $100 ticket for small amounts of marijuana possession cases, according to Goldstein's statement.
News Moderator: Katelyn Baker 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: Roundup - Marijuana News From Pennsylvania Capitol
Author: Mark Walters
Contact: York Daily Record
Photo Credit: Jeff Lautenberger
Website: York Daily Record
In his memo, state Rep. Jordan Harris, D-Philadelphia, notes Pennsylvania's budget woes and the need for more revenue. Other states have generated millions in tax revenue, Harris' memo states, mentioning nearly $70 million in Washington over one year and $135 million in Colorado.
Since Colorado's population is half that of Pennsylvania, Harris predicts more revenue would be raised here by marijuana that would be regulated and sold legally in state liquor stores.
This Philly Voice story asks if Pennsylvania could be the next state to legalize recreational marijuana.
An effort to legalize forms of medical marijuana took years to clear the state legislature and receive the governor's approval.
Decriminalization efforts
While there have been discussions around the state to decriminalize marijuana - most recently in Harrisburg - there was a proposal in the House to lessen the penalty for people caught for the first or second time with less than 30 grams of marijuana.
Possession of a small amount of marijuana is an ungraded misdemeanor, which comes with a maximum punishment of 30 days in jail and a $500 fine, according to a memo circulated by Rep. Barry Jozwiak, R-Berks County for House Bill 1422. If a first or second offense were graded as a summary offense, a citation would result.
But offenders would still have a criminal record and face fines of $500, $750 or $1,000, and that's why PhillyNORML member Chris Goldstein opposes Jozwiak's bill.
"Young people, low income residents and people of color will suffer greatly under an increase in possession fines," Goldstein said in a statement. He offered his support to Rep. Ed Gainey's H.B. 2076, which would make a maximum fine of $100 for small amounts of marijuana possession.
Philadelphia has a code violation of $25 and Pittsburgh has a $100 ticket for small amounts of marijuana possession cases, according to Goldstein's statement.
News Moderator: Katelyn Baker 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: Roundup - Marijuana News From Pennsylvania Capitol
Author: Mark Walters
Contact: York Daily Record
Photo Credit: Jeff Lautenberger
Website: York Daily Record
