TAKE ACTION - Oppose Gov. Shapiro’s Marijuana Push: More High-Potency Marijuana Will Hurt Pennsylvania

States that have legalized marijuana for recreational use have unleashed a predatory industry, leading to devastating consequences for families and communities—including more children in hospitals, a rise in youth mental health struggles, increased traffic fatalities, and rising workplace issues.
Gov. Shapiro’s marijuana proposal is an irresponsible plan that expands government and prioritizes industry profits over public health.

• Local Threat: The proposal has no THC potency limits, would force communities to sell harmful marijuana products, and puts additional strain on local law enforcement that has no in-field breathalyzer test for marijuana impairment.
• Conflict of Interest: State officials should not be incentivized with more tax revenue from the increased addictive use of a dangerous drug.
• Misleading Revenue Claims: Pro-marijuana politicians ignore the true economic and social costs of commercialization. We should learn from states like Colorado, where one analysis found $4.50 in costs for every $1 in marijuana tax revenue.

The damaging economic and social consequences are why so many associations oppose the legalization of marijuana for recreational use. These include health organizations (such as the American Academy of Pediatrics and Christian Medical and Dental Associations), law enforcement agencies (such as the PA Fraternal Order of Police and PA Chiefs of Police Association), and safety advocates (such as the American Automobile Association and PA Manufacturers Association).

Pennsylvania cannot afford to jeopardize public health and safety. We must protect our communities and demand responsible policies that value people over profits. 

TAKE ACTION: Contact your State Senator and State Representative and ask them to oppose Gov. Shapiro’s irresponsible plan for dangerous high-potency marijuana legalization.