May. 06, 2025
HARRISBURG – Rep. Gary Day (R-Lehigh) today questioned why House Democrats are rushing a complex, 173-page bill to legalize adult-use recreational marijuana in Pennsylvania, without any hearings or input from legislators or the public.
“When I look at this bill, it’s just so expansive, and we’ve only just gotten to see the language of the bill,” said Day, who noted he and his House Health Committee colleagues were given about an hour to ask questions about the bill before it was voted out of committee Monday. “The role of the minority party is to help improve upon the legislation, working together with the majority party, particularly during the committee consideration process. By moving this bill as it was by House Democrats, we’re bypassing that vital part of the process.”
House Democrats scheduled a non-voting session day on Sunday, May 4, that allowed the marijuana legislation,
House Bill 1200, to be introduced and referred to the House Health Committee, setting up Monday’s committee vote.
“This is such an important endeavor that we’re doing, that we’re deciding for Pennsylvanians. I know there are more stops for this bill during the legislative process – getting the input of the Senate, getting the input of the governor – but it’s important that we don’t skip this step. Have a hearing for this proposal. Put this initiative on public display and let the people have input. All that can do is make your plan better,” Day urged.
In addition to legalizing adult-use recreational marijuana, the bill also seeks to address expungement of prior “minor” marijuana offenses, reinvestment of funds generated by the sale and taxation of marijuana in communities the bill identifies as having been “disproportionately harmed by the war on drugs,” and implementing public health protections. The Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board would be given oversight of a new state store system from which marijuana products could be purchased by the public.
“Plain and simple, this bill, and the process by which it is being advanced by the House Democrats, makes all Pennsylvanians less safe,” said Day.
You can view a video of Day’s comments following the committee vote here.
Representative Gary Day
187th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Chris Comisac
717-772-9845
ccomisac@pahousegop.com
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