When Will PA Legalize Recreational Cannabis?

Recreational cannabis is now legal to purchase in nearly all of our neighboring states. Can 2025 be the year that Pennsylvania decides to fully legalize as well? We’re turning to SpotlightPA reporters Ed Mahon and Stephen Caruso to figure out the political climate, the potential hurdles, and exactly how cannabis sales could even work. Like, would it mirror Pennsylvania's centralized alcohol sales? What would happen to the state’s medical program? And if legalization isn’t on the table just yet, could we expect to see any decriminalization efforts underway? Notes and references from today’s show: A handful of Pa. doctors approved 1/3 of medical pot cards in a single year. Experts question the quality of care. [Spotlight PA] Prior misconduct rarely an obstacle for doctors in Pennsylvania’s medical marijuana program [Spotlight PA] Spotlight PA investigation spurs call for more oversight of who can be a medical marijuana doctor [Spotlight PA] Thousands more Pennsylvania medical professionals could approve cannabis patients under proposals [Spotlight PA] Legal cannabis likely won’t be in this year’s budget, but supporters say there’s a silver lining [Spotlight PA] Learn more about the sponsors of this January 27th episode: The Frick Pittsburgh Museums and Gardens Pittsburgh Opera Pitt Athletics Fulton Commons Pittsburgh Marathon Become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh at membership.citycast.fm. Want more Pittsburgh news?  Sign up for our daily morning Hey Pittsburgh newsletter. We’re on Instagram @CityCastPgh. Text or leave us a voicemail at 412-212-8893. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices