Jersey Shore, Pa. — Governor Josh Shapiro said it was time for Pennsylvania to “catch up” as he called for the legalization of adult use cannabis during his yearly budget address in Harrisburg.
Jersey Shore based medical grower Terrapin offered its support for Shapiro’s plan that would include adding jobs and revenue to the state. Shapiro would also expunge criminal records of anyone charged with possession related offenses attributed to cannabis.
“Terrapin couldn’t agree more with Gov. Shapiro that the time has come for Pennsylvania to legalize adult-use cannabis,” Chris Woods, founder, owner, and chief executive of Terrapin said. “It is time to end the criminalization of behavior from otherwise law-abiding citizens for possessing a substance that adults are permitted to consume in 24 states.”
Shapiro’s plan would go into effect on July 1 of this year with sales beginning in January of the following year. The state would invest $5 million in restorative justice initiatives for adult use cannabis proceeds, according to a release from Shapiro’s office.