Will PA Legalize Cannabis in 2025?

This past weekend, Pittsburghers had a lot to celebrate. Easter, Passover, and of course, the other high holy day: 4/20. And we like to think that some of our state lawmakers got in on the fun too! A couple of representatives, including Pittsburgh rep. Emily Kinkead, wrote a new memo about how recreational cannabis could get legalized. This debate over legalization has come up over and over again here in Pennsylvania, so we're revisiting host Megan Harris' conversation with SpotlightPA reporters Ed Mahon and Stephen Caruso to figure out the political climate, the potential hurdles, and exactly how cannabis sales could even work. **This episode originally aired on January 27, 2025. Get more from City Cast Pittsburgh when you become a City Cast Pittsburgh Neighbor. You’ll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events and more. Join now at membership.citycast.fm. 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 April 23rd episode: Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST Aura Frames - Get $35-off plus free shipping on the Carver Mat frame with Promo Code CITYCAST Pittsburgh Opera Perrico Gardens Allegheny County 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