HARRISBURG, Pa. (FN) — Pennsylvania lawmakers pushing to ease marijuana restrictions say President Donald Trump’s executive order reclassifying the drug has given them fresh optimism that recreational cannabis could soon be legalized in the state.
On Thursday, Trump signed an order moving marijuana from a Schedule I drug — the strictest federal category — to Schedule III, a change that allows for expanded medical research and reduces federal penalties.
“It’s overdue,” said Democratic state Rep. Emily Kinkead. “We should have rescheduled marijuana long ago.”
Democratic Rep. Dan Frankel, chair of the House Health Committee, said the move strengthens Pennsylvania’s existing medical marijuana program and lays groundwork for adult‑use legalization. “It will bolster the marketplace and help us stop criminalizing marijuana,” he said.
Both Frankel and Kinkead have introduced legislation to create a legal recreational cannabis market. Kinkead noted that Trump’s action could give hesitant Republicans political cover. “I am even more optimistic than I was that we are going to get legalization of recreational cannabis done in Pennsylvania in 2026,” she said.
Her bill already has bipartisan support, including a co‑sponsor in Republican Rep. Abby Major. “I look forward to building off the momentum of rescheduling by working with my colleagues to deliver what 74% of Pennsylvanians want: adult‑use cannabis,” Major said.
Not all Republicans are on board. Several federal GOP lawmakers urged Trump to keep marijuana as a Schedule I drug, citing health risks, impaired driving, and workplace concerns. The president moved forward with the change despite their objections.
Kinkead said the decision reflects broad national support. “Overwhelmingly, people support legalization of marijuana, and it is bipartisan,” she said.
Frankel cautioned that implementation will take time as agencies adjust. “It’s a significant step toward creating an environment where people can purchase medical marijuana without worrying about federal criminal penalties,” he said.
Currently, only medical marijuana is legal in Pennsylvania. Lawmakers say Trump’s order could accelerate the push to expand access and bring recreational cannabis to the state by 2026.
