Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro (D) called on lawmakers to legalize cannabis in a budget address on Tuesday. Noting that five of the six border states have legalized some form of cannabis, the governor highlighted the potential economic boost that would come from reform.

"We're losing out on an industry that, once fully implemented, would bring in more than $250 million in annual revenue," Shapiro said "And our failure to legalize and regulate this only fuels the black market and drains much-needed resources for law enforcement. It's time to catch up."

"I ask you to come together and send a bill to my desk that legalizes marijuana," the governor continued. "That bill should ensure the industry is regulated and taxed responsibly. That we create jobs and build wealth here in Pennsylvania, especially in the communities that have been disproportionately harmed by criminalization."

Shapiro also mentioned expungement. "That bill should also contain a provision for those who have been convicted for nonviolent possession of small amounts of marijuana to have their records expunged. Let's stop hamstringing ourselves and start competing again in Pennsylvania.”

See Also: Pennsylvania’s New Cannabis Era: Growers To Sell Directly To Patients, Dispensaries To Grow Their Own Weed

Subcommittee Hearing On Marijuana Policy Reform 

The governor's budget proposal comes one day after members of the House Health Subcommittee on Health Care discussed marijuana policy reform for the third time in recent months, reported Marijuana Moment.

Representatives of multi-state operators such as Cresco Labs (OTCQX:CRLBF), Trulieve (OTCQX:TCNNF), PharmaCann and Insa took part in the hearing.

"From the outset, my personal goals for adult-use has been to put the health and safety of our constituents first and to allow for equitable and meaningful opportunities, particularly for those harmed by the war on drugs," Rep. Dan Frankel (D), chair of the full Health Committee said at the beginning of the hearing.

Other lawmakers, however, such as Rep. Kathy Rapp (R) expressed some concerns about reform.