We asked, you answered: Where do you stand on the legalization of recreational adult-use cannabis in Pennsylvania?

While medical cannabis has been legal in Pennsylvania since 2016, legalization for recreational use remains a pipe dream despite strong public support across party lines, and bipartisan support in Harrisburg. We asked our newsletter readers how they feel about it.

While medical cannabis has been legal in Pennsylvania since former Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf signed it into law in April 2016, recreational use remains a pipe dream despite strong public support across party lines, and bipartisan support in Harrisburg.

The latest attempt to legalize adult-use cannabis in the state is a bill sponsored by Rep. Rick Krajewski (D-Philadelphia) that would include a number of reforms to marijuana policy, including allowing the purchase of marijuana for recreational use by those 21 years and older, mainly through publicly owned stores overseen by the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board.

Democrats voted unanimously to advance the multifaceted bill to the Senate Wednesday, over unified opposition from Republicans.

The bill seems likely to see changes if senators decide to act on it. Sen. Dan Laughlin of Erie County, a leading Republican on the issue, said on social media after the vote that there is “no path forward in the Senate for a state store model for adult-use cannabis.”

We recently asked our newsletter readers (subscribe here) where they stand on the legalization of recreational adult-use cannabis in Pennsylvania. 

Here’s what they had to say (answers have been edited for length and clarity):

“They should absolutely legalize (recreational) marijuana in Pa.—what are they waiting for, especially if it will benefit the state financially? Anyone who chooses to use it already is using their own resources in one way or another to get it, so it shouldn’t be that big of a deal.”

-Diane, Orangeville

“The legalization of recreational adult-use cannabis in Pennsylvania would be great! I wouldn’t have to hide in the woods in my backyard anymore!”

-TC Conner, Mercer

“Legalize it!”

-Dori McCarthy, Pittsburgh

“I’m not for legalizing (recreational) marijuana. I’ve seen how stupid users get after using. IMO, the effects are worse than alcohol.” 

-Tony McCurdy, Fairview Township

“Adult-use cannabis can’t be legalized fast enough. Every day, people are voting with their wallets by purchasing marijuana in bordering states. Keep that money in state to help raise up your Pa. people! People are going to purchase and use it whether or not you legalize it. Pa. might as well reap the profits over another state.”

–Pamela Firster, Boyertown

“Why not? We’re losing tax money. Don’t care if (it’s sold) in state stores. If I can’t get what I want from the state store I’ll do what I do with alcohol and go somewhere else to find it.”

-Sandra Loeb, Mountain Top

“Still on the fence. Everyone’s so gung-ho about it, but A) a lot of work still needs to be done in terms of setting up a retail system, and B) what will be the legal limit for driving under the influence of pot? That’s an important point I don’t hear enough about.”

-Bernard Z., Ephrata

“When Ohio beats your state to something, you know you’re waaaaay behind the curve. Legalize it NOW. We’re losing way too much money.”

-Erica Fitzgerald, Uniontown

“It should have been made legal 10 years ago, when medical marijuana was passed by Gov. Wolf. Weed is so much less harmful than alcohol, which is basically poison, IMHO.”

-Pete, Montgomery County

“Pennsylvania should not legalize cannabis. It’s not about being a prude—it’s about recognizing the real dangers. Weed impairs cognitive function, increases anxiety and psychosis risks, and reeks like a skunk’s funeral. The push to normalize it echoes the cigarette scam of the 1950s, where “safe” smoking hooked millions. Legalizing this stuff just stinks up our streets and clouds our judgment.”

-DH, Erie

“As usual, Pa. remains behind the curve, including the cannabis issue. I can drive 15 minutes to Phillipsburg, N.J. and get recreational cannabis. Pa. is missing out on so much tax income from cannabis it’s ridiculous. And by the way, I don’t hear about too many guys beating up their significant others after smoking a doobie or two.”

-Mary Ann, Bethlehem 

“I’m all for medicinal marijuana. But not for recreational use. We already have too many impaired drivers around here. We certainly don’t need more driving under the influence of marijuana. States that have approved marijuana recreationally have higher instances of impaired driving. We don’t need that.”

-Sally, Lancaster County

“My take on legalizing cannabis: No, thanks. The last thing this fine state needs is another mind-altering vice. The other states are guinea pigs. Let the other states make revenue from the taxes, so they can have that money in their coffers to pay the first responders, the rehab facilities, judges, courthouses, lawyers, doctors, dementia facilities, hospitals, and any and all people and places who will have to clean up the mess.”

-Mary, Bedminster

“I am a medical marijuana patient in Pennsylvania. I live in a very small, conservative town. It is ridiculous that Pennsylvania has held out on legalizing marijuana use for adults, when there are bars and state stores all over the place. How do you justify alcohol being legal when it is responsible for destroying (and taking) so many lives every year!? Legalize adult-use marijuana already. No state stores either. People are hurting and this will provide gainful, small business employment to residents and tax money that is BADLY needed in this state! “

-Doris M. Butler, Mifflin County