This past weekend, for the first time ever, a Pennsylvania Senate committee held a legislative hearing on the possible legalization of recreational marijuana.
Pennsylvania state senators heard from law enforcement officials, including York County District Attorney Dave Sunday and the chief county detective in Dauphin County.
Sen. Mike Regan, a Republican who represents parts of York and Cumberland counties, chairs the committee and has expressed interest in crafting a bill to legalize recreational marijuana.
The senator is drafting a bill with Rep. Amen Brown (D-190).
“Certainly produce a product that’s a lot safer than what’s out there now and the process of purchasing it a lot safer than it is right now,” Regan said.
“I’m focusing on fully funding after-school programs and summer camps and things of that nature,” Brown added.
While Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf supports legalizing pot, the Republican leadership says it’s not a priority.
“Not only for our traveling populous but certainly our children as well,” said Scott Bohn, with the Pennsylvania Chiefs of Police Association.
Sen. Dan Laughlin (R-49) is also sponsoring a separate bill to legalize pot. He says Monday’s hearing was a good first step.
“I think it’s good to get it out in the public and kind of vet it and start the conversation,” he said.