Rep. Abby Major: Adult-use cannabis should be a Republican issue

I’m a Republican, always have been. I believe in small government, low taxes, a free market and personal liberty. For these reasons, I support the legalization of adult use of cannabis. Every state surrounding the commonwealth with the exception of West Virginia has already legalized, and it seems almost a foregone conclusion that the rest of the country is moving in that direction as well. Why should Pennsylvania always be the last to embrace change?

From my perspective, the legalization of cannabis for adult use (those over age 21) represents an opportunity. The economic advantages present a compelling case for lawmakers, businesses and citizens. From job creation to tax revenue, the ripple effects of legalization could significantly enhance Pennsylvania’s financial landscape. I feel strongly that Republicans have the opportunity to snatch a historically Democratic issue and use it to our political and electoral advantage.

I’ve seen research that projects a legal cannabis market can create 33,500 new jobs which are desperately needed throughout the state. Jobs in the legal cannabis industry pay well above minimum wage, come with benefits and offer mobility through the organizations. Adult-use cannabis would also lead to an additional $4.2 billion in economic output and add $2.6 billion to the state’s GDP.

Beyond the economic arguments for adult-use legalization is the fantasy that prohibition is an effective policy. The prohibition of cannabis has cost this state millions of dollars by housing inmates, running courts, probation and the function of other state apparatuses. The fact is, legalization of adult-use cannabis is a small-government approach to cannabis control. It puts production in the hands of private enterprise, not cartels and drug dealers. It also requires that products be tested before being offered to consumers. Legalization is the conservative commonsense approach.

A recent statewide poll showed that 74% of Pennsylvanians from all political affiliations and geographical regions support the legalization of cannabis and 63% want to see it done this year. This is true even in red districts. It’s important to recognize that conservatives have always championed personal liberty, the free market and fiscal responsibility. Legal cannabis would promote all of these principles while helping create thousands of well-paying jobs, bringing billions in revenue and reducing the strain on our criminal justice system.

The main concern now is how we are going to legalize. We need to first look at what doesn’t work. I’ve seen proposals to have a cannabis market that mirrors the state-run liquor stores. I believe this is not the right approach and is effectively “Communist cannabis” — state controlled and centrally planned, stifling businesses and entrepreneurial opportunities in Pennsylvania. Also, it is very hypocritical of the government to prosecute citizens for selling cannabis for over 100 years, to then make it legal to sell but only if the government is the dealer.

If we are going to do this, we need to do it right — with a robust market that allows individuals to make their own choices with their own money.

It’s time to make the smart, conservative choice and bring adult-use cannabis legalization to Pennsylvania. The people want it and the economy needs it.

Rep. Abby Major represents Pennsylvania’s 60th District which includes parts of Armstrong and Westmoreland counties.