Pennsylvania 2023-2024 Regular Session

Pennsylvania House Bill HB1082

Introduced
5/2/23  

Caption

Establishing the Adult-use Cannabis Program; providing for farmer-grower permits; and imposing duties on the Department of Health.

Impact

The bill represents a significant shift in Pennsylvania's approach to cannabis regulation. By enabling an official marketplace for adult-use cannabis, it seeks to create new economic opportunities for farmers and processors while ensuring public health and safety through regulatory measures. The 1% tax on gross receipts from cannabis sales aims to generate revenue that could be allocated to various state programs. Additionally, the zoning provisions align cannabis cultivation with existing agricultural regulations, helping to integrate the industry within Pennsylvania's agricultural landscape.

Summary

House Bill 1082 establishes the Adult-use Cannabis Program in Pennsylvania, allowing for the legal growth and sale of cannabis for personal use by individuals aged 21 and older. The program is administered by the Department of Health, which will oversee the issuance of permits for farmer-growers, regulate cultivation standards, and enforce compliance measures. The bill introduces specific requirements for permits, including the need for capital verification, zoning compliance, and the implementation of a comprehensive inventory tracking system to monitor cannabis sales and distribution.

Sentiment

Public and legislative sentiment regarding HB 1082 appears to be mixed. Proponents argue that the legalization of adult-use cannabis will lead to increased economic benefits, job creation, and a reduction in illegal drug activities. They emphasize the program's regulatory framework as a means of ensuring safety and accountability in the cannabis market. Conversely, opponents express concerns about public safety, potential increases in substance abuse, and the implications of zoning laws for local municipalities. The discourse has highlighted the need for balance between economic interests and community welfare.

Contention

Notable points of contention stem from the bill's potential impact on local governance and community standards. Some critics argue that the uniformity imposed by state regulations could override local zoning laws, which could lead to tensions in communities that oppose cannabis cultivation. Additionally, the high application fee of $2,500 for farmer-grower permits raises concerns regarding accessibility for small-scale farmers. There are ongoing debates on whether the revenue generated from cannabis taxation will adequately address the community concerns and fund local services impacted by legalization.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA HB1107

Establishing the Adult-use Cannabis Program; providing for farmer-grower permits; and imposing duties on the Department of Health.

PA HB2500

Providing for adult use of cannabis; regulating the personal use and possession of cannabis; providing for powers and duties of the Department of Agriculture; establishing the Cannabis Business Development Fund; providing for social and economic equity, 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 and cannabis-infused edible and nonedible products; imposing a sales tax and excise tax on cannabis and cannabis-infused edible and nonedible products; establishing the Cannabis Regulation Fund; providing for cannabis clean slate and for miscellaneous provisions; imposing penalties; consolidating provisions relating to medical cannabis; transferring certain powers and duties of the Department of Health to the Department of Agriculture; and making repeals.

PA HB2210

Providing for adult use cannabis; regulating the personal use and possession of cannabis; establishing the Cannabis Regulatory Control Board; providing for powers and duties of the Cannabis Regulatory Control Board; establishing the Cannabis Business Development Fund; providing for social and economic equity, 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 and cannabis-infused edible and nonedible products; imposing a sales tax and excise tax on cannabis and cannabis-infused edible and nonedible products; establishing the Cannabis Regulation Fund; providing for cannabis clean slate and for miscellaneous provisions; imposing penalties; consolidating provisions relating to medical marijuana; transferring certain powers and duties of the Department of Health to the Cannabis Regulatory Control Board; in driving after imbibing alcohol or utilizing drugs, further providing for driving under influence of alcohol or controlled substance and for authorized use not a defense; and making repeals.

PA SB846

Providing for adult use cannabis; regulating the personal use and possession of cannabis; establishing the Cannabis Regulatory Control Board; providing for powers and duties of the Cannabis Regulatory Control Board; establishing the Cannabis Business Development Fund; providing for social and economic equity, 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 and cannabis-infused edible and nonedible products; imposing a sales tax and excise tax on cannabis and cannabis-infused edible and nonedible products; establishing the Cannabis Regulation Fund; providing for cannabis clean slate and for miscellaneous provisions; imposing penalties; consolidating provisions relating to medical marijuana; transferring certain powers and duties of the Department of Health to the Cannabis Regulatory Control Board; in driving after imbibing alcohol or utilizing drugs, further providing for driving under influence of alcohol or controlled substance and for authorized use not a defense; and making repeals.

PA HB1735

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; 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.

PA SB120

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.

PA HB1080

Providing for adult use cannabis; imposing certain gross receipts tax and excise tax; and making repeals.

PA HB1132

Establishing the Pennsylvania Agroforestry Program and the Pennsylvania Agroforestry Fund; providing grants to resident farmers and resident businesses; and imposing duties on Department of Agriculture.

PA HB0025

CANNABIS-CRAFT GROWERS

PA SB1723

CANNABIS-CRAFT GROWERS

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.