The Impact of Delayed Pennsylvania Marijuana Legalization on Revenue
The TDR Three Takeaways:Pennsylvania
- Pennsylvania could gain $271 million annually from legalized marijuana, yet delayed action has lessened potential revenue.
- Neighboring states’ early adoption of marijuana legalization reduces Pennsylvania’s chance for cross-border sales boosts.
- Marijuana tax revenue in Pennsylvania is earmarked for restorative justice, agriculture oversight, and state policing needs.
Pennsylvania has a large opportunity for tax revenue with the proposed legalization and taxation of marijuana, promising an annual boost of $271 million to the state’s coffers. However, this figure, as outlined by the Pennsylvania Independent Fiscal Office (IFO), could have been markedly higher had Pennsylvania not been surpassed by its neighbors in legalizing marijuana. The timeliness of legalization in surrounding states like Ohio, Maryland, New York, and New Jersey has essentially siphoned off potential revenue from cross-border sales, a missed opportunity for Pennsylvania’s economy.
The proposed taxation framework, comprising a 20 percent excise tax on wholesale marijuana in addition to state sales tax, is projected to generate $41 million in the first year post-implementation. This exceeds the initial projections by Governor Josh Shapiro, which were set at $14.8 million. Over time, this revenue is expected to stabilize at an annual net gain of $271 million by Fiscal Year 2028-2029, earmarked for various state needs including restorative justice initiatives, agricultural oversight, state policing, and the general fund.
Despite the significant financial benefits, Pennsylvania’s late entry into the legalized marijuana market limits its potential to capitalize on out-of-state visitors, as nearly all bordering states have already established their own legal markets. This scenario underlines the importance of strategic timing and policy formulation in maximizing economic benefits from faster approvals.
The economic implications of marijuana legalization extend beyond mere tax revenue. The IFO’s analysis suggests minimal impact on the medical marijuana market. Discussions within Pennsylvania’s legislative framework, including recent hearings focusing on criminal justice and the potential benefits of reform, indicate a growing consensus on the positive economic impact of legalization.
The longer Pennsylvania waits, the less revenue it will earn as other bordering states will add to their revenue.
