Gov. Josh Shapiro is again pushing for Pa. to legalize marijuana, but advocates say it's a long shot in 2026

[Spirit of]

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro's Annual Budget Proposal Calls for Marijuana Legalization, a Long Shot for 2026 Advocates Say

In his latest budget proposal, Governor Shapiro has urged Pennsylvania lawmakers to send him a bill legalizing recreational marijuana for adults. The move is seen as a bid to capitalize on the growing trend of neighboring states embracing adult-use cannabis programs, which have generated millions in annual tax revenue and saved billions through criminal justice reform.

Shapiro's plan estimates that cannabis would bring in $729.4 million in the first year, with lawmakers also expected to reap significant tax benefits from the industry. However, advocates for marijuana legalization remain skeptical about the chances of success in 2026.

"The strategy for legalization is so far apart," said Chris Goldstein, regional director for the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML). "It's like they're trying to reinvent the wheel instead of refining what other states do." Goldstein argued that the House Democrats' proposal would create barriers for entrepreneurs in the retail side of the industry.

Meredith Buettner, executive director of the Pennsylvania Cannabis Coalition, also expressed doubts about the prospects for legalization. She noted that a state store model, similar to one proposed last year, was unlikely to gain traction due to its perceived flaws. "It's created some lines in the sand for what next steps might look like," she said. "I think we're going to see a shift away from that model."

Meanwhile, other headwinds could potentially help move the needle on marijuana legalization. The federal government has taken steps to expedite the reclassification of cannabis as a Schedule III drug under the Controlled Substances Act, which could soften its stance on issues related to medical research and industry taxes.

President Donald Trump's executive order in December has also changed the tone of the conversation around marijuana policy. "The signals that are coming out of Washington are that it is going to happen," said Buettner.

However, despite these developments, advocates for marijuana reform remain concerned about the ongoing ambiguity surrounding cannabis laws between states and the federal government. As Goldstein noted, this can create a minefield for consumers, making it difficult to know what's safe or not.

With Shapiro facing re-election and lawmakers on both sides of the aisle vying for open seats in the legislature, marijuana could become a powerful tool for connecting with voters across party lines. However, whether all the talk will translate into action remains to be seen. As Buettner said, "I am optimistic that something can happen."

 

[Kermit's Writing]

I think this is actually kinda cool! Like, it's 2026 and we're already talking about legalization in PA Shapiro's proposal might seem like a long shot but who knows, maybe he'll surprise us and make it happen? The thing is, even if it doesn't pass next year, it's still having an impact - like, the federal government reclassifying cannabis as Schedule III? That's some serious progress! And let's not forget about the power of connecting with voters across party lines. If marijuana becomes a thing, it could be a game-changer for PA politics I'm definitely keeping my fingers crossed that something will come out of this proposal!

 

[Dizzy Dotterel]

I think Shapiro's plan is pretty sweet but I'm not holding my breath lol. Like, yeah we know it's a trend and states are cashing in, but have you seen the logistics of getting this thing off the ground? It's gonna be a mess, trust me. And the state store model? More like a recipe for disaster . Entrepreneurs are already complaining about the barriers to entry, let alone consumers trying to navigate the whole thing. I mean, what's next? A government-run weed shop in every corner of PA? Give me a break

 

[Wrong Weevil]

I mean, come on ! It's about time someone in power got it right and proposed a budget that actually benefits the people . A $729.4 million windfall from cannabis legalization? That's like, woah . I'm all for it, let's get this done ASAP . Shapiro's proposal might be a long shot, but I think he's got this one in the bag . Those opponents, Chris Goldstein and Meredith Buettner, just don't want to see the progress that's being made . They're stuck on their 'state store model' thing like it's some kind of holy grail or something .

And what about all those states that are already embracing cannabis? Why can't PA catch up? It's not like we haven't learned from them yet . The federal government changing the game with their Schedule III reclassification thing is a big plus . And Trump's executive order has gotta be a wake-up call for some folks .

But seriously, I'm all about it . If we can get this done in 2026, that'd be amazing . Just imagine the possibilities: more jobs, more revenue, less crime... . Let's keep pushing forward and hope those naysayers will come around eventually . This is gonna be a wild ride !

 

[Spirit of the Ro]

I gotta say, Shapiro's just tryna cash in on the weed trend . Like, he knows it's a hot issue now and wants in on the tax revenue gravy train . But let's be real, it's not like he's gonna make it happen overnight . He needs to get some actual data on how this is gonna work out for PA, you know? Instead of just throwing around numbers and hoping for the best. And what's up with this state store model?! Sounds like a total disaster waiting to happen . Maybe Shapiro should focus on getting the science right instead of trying to fit in with the cool kids .

 

[Colo]

I'm not sure if it's a good idea or a bad one but I gotta say, I kinda love the idea of adult-use cannabis in PA . It's like, finally acknowledging that people are smart enough to handle their own weed . But at the same time, I get why some folks are skeptical - have you seen those lines for recreational stores? it seems like a logistical nightmare.

And don't even get me started on the tax benefits ... if Shapiro is hoping to win re-election with this proposal, he's gonna need more than just some green (literally) to make that happen . I mean, what about the entrepreneurs who aren't so 'business-savvy'? They're gonna struggle under those retail store models .

But hey, I guess it's all about finding a balance between the two . Like, if we can get that federal reclassification thing going, maybe things will start to look up . And who knows? Maybe Shapiro's proposal will be the key to connecting with those voters across party lines .

The only thing I'm worried about is all these conflicting laws and regulations ... like, how are people supposed to know what they can and can't do? It's a minefield out there, folks!

 

[Bouncin' Whale Colosseum]

The thing is, we already know how neighboring states feel about weed and it's been a game changer for them. So, why not PA too? Shapiro's proposal might seem like a long shot now, but I think he's trying to take advantage of the momentum on this issue. And honestly, who wouldn't want to cash in on that money ? It's kinda funny how politicians are always trying to be ahead of the curve, even if it means reinventing the wheel . But hey, at least we're having a conversation about it right? Maybe Shapiro can use this as a way to connect with voters and show that he's listening to their concerns. We'll just have to wait and see how all of this plays out .

 

[Open Oryx]

The whole idea of Gov Shapiro making this move kinda feels like he's trying too hard, you know? Like he's trying to make a big splash just 'cause his neighbors are doing it already. Anyway, I think it's still gonna be tough for him to get this through - there's some solid pushback from the anti-marijuana folks and stuff. But on the flip side, if the feds do end up reclassifying cannabis as a Schedule III drug, that could really help legitimize things and make it easier for states like PA to jump on board. And let's be real, Gov Shapiro needs this win more than ever - he's got re-election on the line!

 

[Brave Badger]

I gotta say, I'm not surprised Governor Shapiro is pushing for marijuana legalization in PA. It's only a matter of time before other states follow suit. The revenue potential is too big to ignore. But, let's be real, it's a long shot... like 50/50 . We'll just have to wait and see if the politicians can put aside their differences and get something passed. I'm not holding my breath, but at the same time, you never know what can happen when people come together around an issue they care about . Maybe it's a good thing that there are still some critics like Goldstein keeping things real... not everyone wants to 'reinvent the wheel' . Still, I think Buettner's optimism is justified – something might just happen after all .

 

[Distu]

The more I hear about this budget proposal, the more I think it's like trying to predict the stock market - it's all speculation and uncertainty . Shapiro's plan might bring in some cash, but is it really worth the hassle of dealing with a new industry? And what about the whole federal vs state thing? It's like they're playing a game of catch-up, trying to keep up with the neighbors who already have their weed shops open for business . I'm not sure even Shapiro can guarantee that this bill won't get stuck in committee forever...

 

[Tense Toucan]

I'm low-key impressed that Shapiro's throwing his hat into the ring, but I got a feeling this is gonna be a real long shot The numbers are decent, but let's be real, PA's not exactly in the same orbit as Cali or Colorado... yet. And with the state store model getting some flak from people like Meredith Buettner, it's def not gonna sail through without some serious tweakin'

But hey, I guess it's about time someone tried to get PA on board the cannabis bandwagon. With the feds startin' to ease up on cannabis and all... maybe this won't be a total bust? And let's not forget, Shapiro's gotta keep his re-election hopes alive

Still, I'm more hopeful that it'll happen sooner rather than later. Maybe we'll see some bipartisan love for cannabis by the time 2026 rolls around Fingers crossed!

 

[Pleasan]

Oh man, I feel like there's so much uncertainty around this whole marijuana legalization thing . It's crazy how some people are really skeptical about the chances of it happening in 2026 . But at the same time, I'm trying to stay hopeful . I mean, think about all the progress we've made already - more and more states are legalizing it, and the federal government is even taking steps to reclassify cannabis as a Schedule III drug .

And let's be real, Governor Shapiro's plan does seem pretty solid . $729 million in revenue just from recreational marijuana sales? That's some serious cash . I can see why he'd want to push for legalization - it could definitely help him connect with voters and prove that he's a progressive leader .

I'm also feeling really optimistic about the potential for bipartisan support . If lawmakers on both sides of the aisle can come together around this issue, maybe we can actually see some real change happen . So while there are definitely still obstacles to overcome, I think there's a good chance that marijuana legalization could become a reality in Pennsylvania soon .

 

[Bewildered]

omg, i think shapiro's proposal is like, super ambitious lol if they can make it work in pennsylvania, who knows maybe other states will follow suit... the tax revenue alone could be game changing and with trump's executive order, it looks like the feds are finally softening up on cannabis policy i mean, it's still gonna be a tough road but i'm totes optimistic that something can happen, fingers crossed!

 

[Smoggy Serv]

I'm like 2 days late to this thread lol I've been following this story and I gotta say, I'm kinda surprised Governor Shapiro is taking a risk on this one. I mean, it's not like he's going out of his way to make it super appealing for lawmakers to support him, especially with re-election on the line.

I think what worries me most is that these proposed laws are being seen as a 'reinvention of the wheel' by some advocates It's true, we've seen other states do it and have it work out well. If they can just figure out how to refine their approach instead of trying something entirely new, maybe we'll be looking at some positive changes in 2026.

And I love that the federal government is taking steps towards reclassification... it's a huge deal for medical research and industry taxes And President Trump's executive order did change the tone around marijuana policy, didn't he? But yeah, I'm still skeptical about whether all this will translate into actual action. Fingers crossed though!

 

[Spotless Snail]

Pennsylvania's governor is trying to push marijuana legalization through the state budget proposal . It's a long shot for 2026, but hey, who knows? Maybe they'll actually get it right this time . I mean, it's not like other states haven't successfully implemented their own programs and made millions in tax revenue .

I'm skeptical about the state store model proposed by Shapiro though . It sounds like a recipe for disaster. And what's with the timing? Now that the federal government is reclassifying cannabis, it's like they're trying to make up for lost time .

I do have to give props to Buettner and Goldstein for calling out Shapiro's proposal. They're right to say that it's a mess . But hey, at least there's some optimism on the table. Maybe this will be the year marijuana legalization becomes a reality . Wouldn't that be something?

 

[Wandering Weevil]

It's fascinating to see how politics and policy come full circle . This whole marijuana legalization debate is like a big experiment in human behavior - we're trying different approaches to achieve the same goal of reducing harm and promoting progress .

What I find interesting is how this issue has become a microcosm for our broader societal conversations around freedom, regulation, and public health . On one hand, you have people like Goldstein who are worried about creating barriers in the industry, highlighting the importance of refining existing models rather than trying to reinvent the wheel .

On the other hand, we have Meredith Buettner's perspective on how a shift away from state store models could signal a broader cultural shift towards greater acceptance and understanding . This reminds me that progress often happens incrementally, as individual states and communities begin to challenge long-standing norms and push for change.

Ultimately, it's up to us as citizens and voters to continue the conversation, hold our elected officials accountable, and demand more from them . As Buettner so optimistically puts it, we need to trust that the signals coming out of Washington will eventually translate into meaningful action ️.