Northwest PA News

HARRISBURG — The House Health Subcommittee on Health Care recently held an informational meeting regarding the implications of legalizing cannabis for adult use. Following the meeting, Rep. Kathy L. Rapp (R-Warren/Crawford/Forest) expressed her concerns and urged caution in a statement.

Rapp highlighted the discussions during the meeting, stating, "We heard from a few testifiers today calling for the full legalization of recreational marijuana." She also mentioned a testifier advocating for the expungement of marijuana offenses from criminal records upon legalization.

One of the testifiers at the meeting was identified as a former U.S. Attorney for the District of Colorado, who shared insights from Colorado's experience with marijuana legalization. Rapp expressed reservations, stating, "The picture he painted was not one that I’d like to see here in Pennsylvania."

The debate on legalizing marijuana included arguments about eliminating the black market and the potential economic benefits. Rapp pointed out that despite the legalization in Colorado, the black market still accounted for a significant portion of marijuana consumption. Additionally, she highlighted concerns raised about the financial burden on law enforcement and health services due to legalization.

Regarding the health and safety implications, Rapp referenced statistics on the increase in traffic deaths involving marijuana post-legalization, emphasizing the lack of efficient roadside tests for detecting marijuana impairment in drivers.

In conclusion, Rapp emphasized the need to carefully consider the consequences of legalizing recreational marijuana, stating, "Rather than discussing the best way to legalize it, we should be talking about whether legalizing recreational marijuana is the right move at all."

For media inquiries, contact Jake Gillespie at 717.772.9834 or visit RepRapp.com / Facebook.com/RepRapp.