Last week, Pennsylvania State Senator Marty Flynn introduced a new proposal to legalize and regulate adult-use cannabis across the state. The legislation, called the Keystone Cannabis Act, aims to modernize Pennsylvania’s cannabis laws while offering economic and public safety benefits. Flynn began circulating a sponsorship memo on May 21, seeking support from fellow lawmakers to advance the bill.
The announcement came shortly after a Senate committee blocked a different cannabis legalization bill that had passed the House earlier in the month. Now, Flynn’s proposal has taken center stage in the state’s ongoing debate over marijuana reform.
If passed by the legislature and signed by Governor Josh Shapiro, the Keystone Cannabis Act would legalize the possession, purchase, and use of marijuana for adults aged 21 and over. The bill also emphasizes youth protection and road safety by including measures to prevent underage access and reduce impaired driving incidents.
“This legislation represents a commonsense opportunity to modernize our cannabis laws by delivering lasting economic benefits to communities across the Commonwealth while balancing individual liberty with public safety,” Flynn wrote in his memo.
Oversight and Regulation
A key component of Flynn’s plan is the creation of an independent cannabis commission. This new regulatory body would oversee the entire supply chain—from cultivation and processing to testing and sales. The commission would include representatives from several state departments, such as Health, Agriculture, Community and Economic Development, the Attorney General’s Office, and State Police. This multi-agency approach is intended to ensure broad oversight and maintain high standards across the industry.
Economic Impact and Community Investment
One of the most attractive aspects of the Keystone Cannabis Act is its financial potential. The bill includes a cannabis tax structure that is projected to generate $500 million annually. These funds would be directed toward a Community Reinvestment and Infrastructure Fund, with the goal of revitalizing rural communities and expanding urban development initiatives through the City Revitalization and Investment Zone Program.
Supporters argue that legalizing cannabis could not only provide a significant boost to the state economy but also reduce the burden on the criminal justice system by eliminating penalties for adult use.
As Pennsylvania continues to debate cannabis reform, Flynn’s Keystone Cannabis Act presents a detailed framework for how legalization could be implemented responsibly, with a strong focus on regulation, public safety, and reinvestment in local communities.
