May. 07, 2025
HARRISBURG – This week, the Pennsylvania House of Representatives narrowly approved legislation to legalize recreational marijuana by a vote of 102-101, strictly along party lines. State Rep. Doyle Heffley (R-Carbon) cast a "no" vote on the measure, citing both procedural and public health concerns.
House Bill 1200, a sweeping 173-page bill, was introduced on Sunday, May 4, rushed through the House Health Committee on Monday, and brought to the House floor for a final vote on Wednesday. The timeline allowed virtually no time for thorough legislative review or meaningful public input.
“This bill was fast-tracked through the legislative process with little to no opportunity for lawmakers or the public to weigh in,” said Heffley. “A proposal with this level of impact should be vetted carefully and transparently, not jammed through over the course of three days.”
Heffley emphasized the significant health concerns tied to marijuana use, pointing to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). According to the CDC, three in 10 marijuana users develop a cannabis use disorder, and use during adolescence increases the risk of lasting damage to brain function, including memory, learning, and decision-making. Studies also show increased risks of developing chronic mental health disorders, including schizophrenia.
“Legalizing recreational marijuana isn’t a harmless move,” Heffley continued. “This would expose children to secondhand smoke and increase the risk of accidental ingestion, especially through edibles. The public health risks are real and well-documented.”
Heffley also raised concerns about the bill’s financial implications and regulatory framework. Under the legislation, the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board would oversee marijuana sales, despite the LCB stating it would not sell cannabis in existing state stores and estimating $260 million in start-up costs. A fiscal note on the bill pegs initial costs as high as $400 million, while the governor’s proposed budget for 2025-26 relies on more than $500 million in marijuana revenue.
“The math simply doesn’t work,” Heffley said. “While Pennsylvania is in the midst of an overdose crisis, House Democrats are pushing to legalize another drug. That’s the wrong direction for our Commonwealth.”
Heffley urges constituents to stay informed and share their views as the bill moves to the Senate.
Representative Doyle Heffley
122nd Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives