Governor Josh Shapiro and the marijuana industry are lobbying state lawmakers for their priority of pushing every Pennsylvania community into selling industrialized, dangerously high potent THC products for recreational use. Despite previously expressing concern as a father and former law enforcement official, Shapiro has now clearly aligned himself with Big Marijuana—ignoring the mounting evidence of its dangers.
Gov. Shapiro’s proposed 20% marijuana tax plan would mean allowing more pot shops in PA than Starbucks and McDonalds combined selling and marketing today’s marijuana and high potency THC-infused kid-friendly vapes, edibles, dabs, and more – incentivizing the state to “profit” from more addictive use of these drugs combined.
The consequences for our children, mental health, and road safety would be severe. Pennsylvania should not be forced into this reckless experiment.
Please join Pennsylvania Family Institute in signing the following open letter to Governor Shapiro asking to reject the statewide commercialization of high potency THC marijuana products.
April 2025
TO: The Honorable Josh Shapiro, Governor
CC: Honorable Kim Ward, President pro tempore, Pennsylvania Senate
Honorable Joe Pittman, Majority Leader, Pennsylvania Senate
Honorable Jay Costa, Minority Leader, Pennsylvania Senate
Honorable Joanna McClinton, Speaker, Pennsylvania House
Honorable Matthew Bradford, Majority Leader, Pennsylvania House
Honorable Jesse Topper, Minority Leader, Pennsylvania House
SUBJECT: Harm with Marijuana Legalization for Recreational Purposes
Dear Governor Shapiro,
I am deeply concerned about any push to legalize marijuana for non-medical (recreational) purposes here in Pennsylvania.
Today’s marijuana and THC-infused kid-friendly vapes, edibles, dabs, and more are dangerous drugs. A policy change to commercialize the sale of these drugs for recreational purposes would hurt Pennsylvania families and communities. There is substantial evidence that marijuana use is contributing to rising addiction rates and other serious harms, and commercializing its sale will make these issues worse.
Marijuana Use Causes Harm: Any proposed change in marijuana policy must account for the recent changes in today’s modern marijuana industry, which has created products far more potent than ever.
Before Pennsylvania legalized medical marijuana in 2016, THC levels averaged 5% or less, and products like vaporizers and concentrates were virtually nonexistent.
THC potency levels have risen dramatically, with marijuana flower now averaging 20%-30% THC. At the same time, states experimenting with non-medical legalization have marijuana concentrates and edibles marketed and sold in a host of fruit-flavored high-potency products containing upwards of 90% THC. As the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) states, “Consuming edibles or products with high THC concentration can have delayed or unpredictable effects and increases the risk of overdose or poisoning.”
Research suggests that high-potency marijuana use may increase the risk of mental health disorders, including psychosis, depression, and suicide. Marijuana addiction rates are rising, especially among youth. Treatment centers are reporting an increase in patients suffering from marijuana-related conditions, particularly young adults.
Legalizing marijuana for commercial sale has significant social and economic consequences, including risks to public safety, health care, workplace safety, education, and the environment.
Marijuana Addiction Rates Are Rising: Evidence from federal agencies like the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) shows nearly one in three marijuana users suffer from cannabis use disorder (CUD). This addiction rate is higher for younger users. Over the last two decades, marijuana use has doubled among individuals aged 12 and older, while daily use has quadrupled, according to federal data.
The normalization and commercialization of high-potency marijuana for recreational use creates an environment where more individuals, particularly youth, are at risk of addiction. As pointed out by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), “More THC — the mind-altering chemical in marijuana — may lead to an increase in dependency and addiction.”
Non-Medical Legalization Will Hurt Pennsylvania Communities: Using promises of tax revenues as an incentive for legalizing an addictive drug for non-medical use will intensify the problems associated with marijuana use.
Pennsylvania-based research at Temple University found increased youth use of marijuana in states experimenting with recreational legalization. Researchers found the experiment “is associated with risk factors for cannabis use disorder (CUD), including easier access to cannabis, stronger cannabis potency, greater variety of cannabis products, and exposure to cannabis advertising and sales.”
For many of these reasons, the collective voice of health organizations and law enforcement is opposed to state marijuana legalization for non-medical use, including:
– National Fraternal Order of Police
– Pennsylvania Fraternal Order of Police
– International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP)
– Pennsylvania Chiefs of Police Association
– American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)
– American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP)
– American Psychiatric Association (APA)
– American Society for Addiction Medicine (ASAM)
– Association for Addiction Professionals (NAADAC)
– Christian Medical and Dental Associations
The promise of tax revenue from marijuana legalization does not outweigh the long-term economic and social costs.
For these reasons, we strongly urge you to reject any efforts to legalize marijuana for recreational use in Pennsylvania. If reform is needed, Pennsylvania can improve its medical marijuana program or criminal justice policies without expanding commercial marijuana sales.
Marijuana is harmful and can be addictive. States that have expanded access through non-medical legalization have faced negative consequences for individuals and communities. Please protect the health and well-being of Pennsylvanians by rejecting this risky experiment.
Sincerely,
Michael Geer
President & CEO
Pennsylvania Family Institute
