Pittsburgh city officials are urging state lawmakers and Gov. Josh Shapiro to reach a swift agreement to legalize adult-use marijuana during the 2026 legislative session, arguing Pennsylvania is being left behind as neighboring states move forward with reform.
The Pittsburgh City Council adopted a resolution stating that despite legalization in surrounding states and a recent federal rescheduling of cannabis, Pennsylvania “continues to treat cannabis possession as a criminal offense in many circumstances,” producing ongoing arrests, prosecutions, and incarcerations that disproportionately affect communities of color and low-income residents.
“Poll after poll demonstrates overwhelming bipartisan support,” the resolution said, calling for lawmakers to “act with urgency and pass comprehensive adult-use cannabis legalization during the 2026 legislative session.”
[Also check out: A tale of neighboring states dealing with marijuana differently]
It specified priorities lawmakers should include: decriminalization, social equity measures, expungement of prior cannabis-related offenses, expanded access for patients and veterans, and inclusive economic opportunities for small businesses and communities historically harmed by prohibition, Marijuana Moment reports.
Gov. Shapiro has repeatedly included marijuana legalization in his annual budget proposals. The House passed a legalization bill last year that would have channeled sales through state-run stores, but the Republican-controlled Senate has not advanced any comparable legislation.
GOP State Senate leaders have expressed reluctance to move forward; Sen. Scott Martin, chair of the Appropriations Committee, said in December that he was skeptical legalization would pass in 2026, citing ongoing questions about federal scheduling.
