Legalizing Marijuana: A Misguided Approach for Pennsylvania

February 10, 2025

As Pennsylvania continues to grapple with the devastating opioid and heroin epidemics, the last thing we need is to introduce another substance that will exacerbate our public health crisis. Gov. Josh Shapiro’s push to legalize recreational marijuana is not just a misguided policy; it’s a direct threat to the well-being of our state. The people of this Commonwealth deserve better than to be sold a dangerous pipe dream of quick revenue and empty promises.

Our state is facing a public health emergency, with the Pennsylvania attorney general calling the opioid and heroin epidemics the “number one public health and public safety challenge.” The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has warned cannabis use can increase opioid use, and there is no credible evidence to suggest marijuana can treat opioid use disorder. In fact, legalizing marijuana now would be the height of hypocrisy, allowing one addictive drug to be legalized while we struggle to combat another.

Legalizing marijuana would do far more harm than good. While proponents argue it could bring in additional revenue, the truth is the financial benefits would be dwarfed by the societal costs. Increased hospital visits, addiction treatment, environmental damage, workplace accidents and lost productivity are just a few of the unintended consequences. According to the Pew Research Center, the most frequently cited reason why people oppose legalization is simple: marijuana hurts society. We struggle to effectively regulate Delta-8/THC, as products with varying strengths are sold across many outlets.

Beyond the direct health concerns, legalizing marijuana would undoubtedly lead to an uptick in teen use and more traffic fatalities as people drive under the influence. The societal impact of these dangers far outweighs any potential revenue the state might gain. If we are serious about addressing the opioid epidemic, the last thing we need is to normalize another substance that can lead to addiction.

In addition, experiences in other states that have legalized marijuana have shown no clear benefits. California, for example, has seen increased criminal activity tied to marijuana production and trafficking, and illicit marijuana continues to flood the legal market. States with legal marijuana have experienced more crime and violence, and contrary to the promises of proponents, legalization has led to even greater usage.

Gov. Shapiro’s proposal is based on a flawed and shortsighted view of how to generate revenue. Marijuana remains a Schedule I substance under the federal Controlled Substances Act, and its legal status creates significant conflicts for residents. From renters at risk of eviction to workers who could lose their jobs, legal marijuana offers no guarantees for the people it claims to help.

It’s striking - and frankly ironic - that my colleagues on the House Health Committee recently passed a bill aimed at protecting medical staff from “surgical smoke” in operating rooms, citing concerns about health risks. This is an important step in safeguarding healthcare workers from harmful exposure. However, at the same time, these same lawmakers are advocating for the legalization of recreational marijuana, which would inevitably lead to widespread exposure to secondhand marijuana smoke in public spaces. How can we justify protecting people from certain types of smoke while supporting the legalization of another source that will undoubtedly affect public health?

We need to address the causes of the current situation rather than shift focus to a policy change that may not solve the problem. The push to legalize marijuana seems more financially motivated than a solution to Pennsylvania's challenges. It's time to invest in measures that safeguard the health and well-being of all Pennsylvanians, not legalize a substance that could add to our state’s struggles.


Representative Marla Brown
9th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Rick Leiner
717.260.6437 (office), 717.497.8478 (cell)
Rleiner@pahousegop.com
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