Marijuana

Sen. Leach speaks at a Capitol press conference about his bill that would legalize marijuana in Pennsylvania
In addition to raising millions of dollars per year from tax revenue, Pennsylvania would save millions of dollars per year by legalizing marijuana. The most conservative estimates say the revenue generated by taxing the sales of marijuana would amount to at least $24 million per year. Legalizing and taxing marijuana could provide a multi-million dollar recurring revenue source that our state could tap into for years to come.
According to the Office of National Drug Control Policy, 24,685 marijuana arrests were made in Pennsylvania in 2006 at a cost of $325.36 million to taxpayers. Legalizing and regulating marijuana would not only make our streets safer but save our state millions of dollars per year.
Under the terms of Senate Bill 528, marijuana would be a regulated product, treated similarly to alcohol. This bill would not change current laws against driving under the influence of marijuana, selling marijuana to minors and disorderly conduct while publicly intoxicated.
More information:
States that Have Legalized Marijuana
Marijuana as a Gateway Drug: The Myth That Will Not Die
Press Releases:
Leach, Experts Weigh in on Benefits of Legalizing Marijuana at Capitol Press Conference
Legalizing Marijuana Could Bring in Millions for Pennsylvania
Editorials:
Visit the Newsroom section of my Web site for additional links to audio and video clips about marijuana legalization and S.B. 528.