Pennsylvania Senate Bill SB120

Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 7/10/25
• Refer: 7/10/25

Caption

Providing for cannabis; regulating the personal use and possession of cannabis; establishing the Cannabis Control Board; providing for powers and duties of the Cannabis Control Board; establishing the Cannabis Regulation Fund; providing for disproportionately impacted area, for regulation of cannabis business establishments, for enforcement and immunities, for laboratory testing, for advertising, marketing, packaging and labeling and for preparation, destruction and regulation of cannabis, edible and infused products; imposing a sales tax and excise tax on cannabis, edible and infused products; establishing the Cannabis Regulation Fund; providing for cannabis clean slate and for miscellaneous provisions; imposing penalties; consolidating provisions relating to medical use of cannabis; transferring powers and duties of the Department of Health to the Cannabis Control Board; and making repeals.

Impact

If enacted, SB120 will significantly alter several state laws regarding cannabis, moving from a prohibition-based approach to a regulated system that recognizes both personal use and commercial sales. The bill will consolidate existing medical cannabis regulations, transferring relevant responsibilities from the Department of Health to the newly formed Cannabis Control Board. By implementing a system of taxation and regulation, the bill aims to create a reliable revenue stream for the state while ensuring that safety standards and compliance measures are adhered to by cannabis businesses.

Summary

SB120 aims to regulate the personal use and possession of cannabis in the state while establishing the Cannabis Control Board to oversee this regulation. The bill outlines provisions for the taxation of cannabis and cannabis-related products, including both sales and excise taxes. It is designed to create a structured framework for the cultivation, distribution, and sale of cannabis, allowing for the establishment of retail cannabis business establishments, which are expected to contribute economically through the Cannabis Regulation Fund. This fund will support various initiatives related to cannabis regulation and enforcement.

Sentiment

The general sentiment surrounding SB120 reflects a mixture of optimism and concern. Proponents of the bill highlight the economic benefits, including potential job creation and tax revenue, while advocates for public health and safety express concerns about accessibility and the implications of legalization. Additionally, there are discussions about how the bill addresses disparities, such as provisions for those in disproportionately impacted areas, which some stakeholders commend as necessary for justice and equity in cannabis policy.

Contention

A notable point of contention in the discussions around SB120 is the balance between regulation and access. Critics express apprehension about the effectiveness of the Cannabis Control Board's enforcement capabilities and whether the provisions will adequately address potential public safety issues. There are also debates regarding taxation levels and how they may impact market behavior, such as encouraging illegal sales. Furthermore, stakeholders are wary of how the transition from medical to broader cannabis use will be managed, particularly concerning existing medical cannabis patients and providers.