Pittsburgh’s Mayor Believes PA Marijuana Legalization Is Inevitable
Full marijuana legalization in PA could soon be a reality. After the Commonwealth authorized the use of cannabis for medical purposes in 2016, more and more legislators are warming up to the idea for legalizing the sale and use of the plant for recreational purposes. Nationwide, trends are pointing towards total legalization. Nine states now allow the recreational use of cannabis, while 29 states permit its use as a medical treatment.
It is essential to understand that if you have been wrongly charged with a drug crime, you should contact a Pittsburgh drug attorney at Worgul, Sarna & Ness, Criminal Defense Attorneys, LLC for help. To arrange a free, confidential consultation, call (412) 281-2146 today.
Pittsburgh’s Mayor Tweets in Support of Legalization
Mayor Bill Peduto made his position on recreational marijuana clear on Twitter. He believes that more state lawmakers around the nation will legalize and tax cannabis. Moreover, he stated that he wants Pennsylvania to take the lead in doing so
The Mayor retweeted Pennsylvania Auditor General Eugene DePasquale, whose Twitter post claimed that marijuana legalization could bring in $350 million annually in state tax revenue. Mayor Peduto also argued that the criminal records for non-violent marijuana offenses unfairly limit employment and housing opportunities, especially in vulnerable communities.
Opponents of cannabis legalization argue that smoking the plant could encourage the use of other, more harmful psychoactive substances such as methamphetamine, heroin, or cocaine. But Mayor Peduto correctly pointed out that, “There has been no documented research to show that marijuana is a gateway drug.”
Will Pennsylvania Legalize Recreational Marijuana?
Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney also supports legalization, along with a growing group of left-leaning legislators such as Democratic Senator Daylin Leach, who has sponsored a bill that proposes to regulate adult marijuana use similar to alcohol. Senator Leach believes the Legislature could legalize marijuana in Pennsylvania as early as 2021.
Contact Worgul, Sarna & Ness, Criminal Defense Attorneys, LLC
Pennsylvania will probably not legalize recreational marijuana in the immediate future. When and if legalization does occur, the state will also need to consider the rights of those people who already have criminal convictions for possession of cannabis.
At Worgul, Sarna & Ness, Criminal Defense Attorneys, LLC, our Pittsburgh criminal defense lawyers are dedicated to fighting for the rights of the accused. If you or a family member has been charged with a marijuana crime, contact us today at (412) 281-2146 for information about how we can defend your case during a free consultation.