Cannabis operators spent US$1.6M lobbying for adult-use in Pennsylvania last year
Out of 26 companies, Trulieve spent the most
Rowan Dunne· Mar 19, 2025
Several cannabis operators think Pennsylvania is the next golden opportunity for recreational weed and they are willing to fork out some cash to convince regulators to open the market.
In an analysis from Spotlight PA this week, the publication revealed that 26 companies invested US$1.6 million last year to lobby state authorities to legalize adult-use bud.
Trulieve Cannabis Corp CNSXTRUL OTCMKTSTCNNF FRAT0A spent the most at approximately US$210,000. The MSO already has 21 medical dispensaries throughout the state and aims to expand its footprint even more.
Also worthy of note was Cresco Labs Inc CNSXCL OTCMKTSCRLBF FRA6CQ, the AYR Wellness Inc CNSXAYR.A OTCMKTSAYRWF FRA3KJB subsidiary CannTech PA, Curaleaf Holdings Inc TSECURA OTCMKTSCURLF and Verano Holdings Corp OTCMKTSVRNOF.
Pennsylvania became the 24th state to legalize medicinal cannabis in 2016. There are approximately 150 prescription pot shops statewide. Certain major cities like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh have decriminalized possession for those without prescriptions while others have not.
Pennsylvania State Representative, Dan Frankel, calls in to give more insight into the process of legalizing Adult Cannabis with Larry and Michael this morning.
Read more: Cresco Labs secures foothold in Kentucky’s infant medical cannabis sector
Read more: LEEF Brands secures California cultivation licenses; boosts extraction capacity
State governor supports what companies seek
Recreational legalization in Pennsylvania has received support from influential figures, including Governor Josh Shapiro and State Representative Dan Frankel. Many anticipate that it will be the next American adult-use market to open.
Shapiro thinks that Pennsylvania is losing out when it comes to marijuana and has fallen behind its neighbours who have fully legalized the plant.
“Pennsylvanians are driving to those other states and paying taxes in those other states,” he said in a video released on Monday. “It’s time we get some of that revenue here.”
He thinks that the right to smoke a joint or eat a brownie is a matter of freedom and liberty. Shapiro also believes it’s important to shut down the illicit market.
His sentiment is shared by Senator Dan Laughlin, who is advocating for passing a legalization bill that him and Senator Sharif Street are currently finalizing.
“If people are honest, there’s no shortage of cannabis in Pennsylvania right now,” Laughlin said. “I would like to try to take it out of the black market’s hands as much as we can and keep it out of the hands of people under the age of 21, and I think this bill would help do that.”
The legislation would also offer a path toward expunging previous convictions, he says.
Legalizing adult-use cannabis will make Pennsylvania more competitive, bring in more money to help our communities, and create real opportunity for small businesses all across our Commonwealth. Private sector leaders like Gibran know it’s time to finally legalize adult-use Show more
rowan@mugglehead.com
