Philadelphia citizens will vote on a cannabis referendum in the upcoming November general election. The referendum wouldn’t just be about cannabis use in Pennsylvania’s largest city. It would urge state lawmakers to move forward with recreational cannabis legalization. 

The ballot question, proposed by Councilmember Derek Green, D, is “Shall The Philadelphia Home Rule Charter be amended to call upon the Pennsylvania General Assembly and the Governor to pass legislation that would decriminalize, regulate, and tax the use, and sale to adults aged 21 years or older, of cannabis for non-medical purposes?” 

In June, the Philadelphia City Council unanimously approved the ballot question and the mayor signed the resolution surrounding the question. Additionally, around 60 percent of Pennsylvania’s population has been calling for cannabis decriminalization. A few cities, including Philadelphia, have decriminalized the possession of small amounts of cannabis. But the state has yet to take up any action regarding decriminalization or legalization. 

Response

Both Governor Tom Wolf, D, and Lieutenant Governor John Fetterman, D, have been calling for cannabis legalization in Pennsylvania since the beginning of this year. But despite the support from the general public and the Governor and Lt. Governor, the Republican led state Congress has continuously declined to take up cannabis reform measures. 

If the citizens of Philadelphia approve the ballot question, it won’t mean immediate changes to the state rules. Instead, it adds pressure on lawmakers to take up recreational cannabis legalization for the state. 

A recreational cannabis bill did become introduced in the Pennsylvania Congress. Under HB 2050, adults 21 and over can purchase and possess up to one ounce of cannabis. Additionally, adults can apply for a permit to begin their own home cultivation process of cannabis. Individuals possessing a permit can have up to three mature and three immature plants growing in their residence. While introduced, this bill is still waiting assignment to a committee for discussion.

Next Steps

Even though laws won’t immediately change, if Philadelphia citizens vote in favor of the question, more pressure would apply to the state’s lawmakers. It could be the next push for legalization, directly from Pennsylvania citizens. As more information becomes available, we will update you with the latest.

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