HARRISBURG – Sen. Dan Laughlin (R-49) released the following statement following the unveiling of Gov. Josh Shapiro’s 2025-26 budget plan, which included the legalization of recreational marijuana:
“I have long believed that Pennsylvania needs a responsible, well-regulated adult-use cannabis program that prioritizes public safety, eliminates the illicit market and generates legitimate economic growth. That’s why I have introduced legislation for the past four years to legalize cannabis in a way that makes sense for consumers, businesses and law enforcement.
“As chair of the Senate Law and Justice Committee – which is responsible for overseeing cannabis legislation – I take this issue seriously and will continue to work toward a responsible and effective policy. Unfortunately, while both Gov. Tom Wolf and now Shapiro have included cannabis revenue projections in their budgets, neither administration has made a genuine effort to work with me or legislative leadership to get a bill passed. Simply projecting revenue without crafting a functional plan does nothing to move Pennsylvania forward.
“Shapiro’s proposal of a 26% effective tax rate is not only excessive, but also counterproductive. A tax rate that high will only drive consumers to the black market, increasing crime and undermining the very goals of legalization. If we want to do this right, we need a plan that competes with illicit sellers while ensuring appropriate regulation and enforcement.
“As we review the governor’s proposal in the coming months, I will continue working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to draft a responsible and effective legalization bill.
“Pennsylvanians deserve a cannabis policy that works, not just another budget projection with no real path forward.”
CONTACT: David Kozak