Pittsburgh City Council on Tuesday formally urged state lawmakers to legalize cannabis for adult recreational use, adding momentum to a debate already gaining traction in Harrisburg. Councilwoman Barb Warwick, a Democrat representing Greenfield, sponsored the resolution, framing legalization as a critical step toward “justice, public health, and economic growth.”
The council’s action comes as Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro has repeatedly signaled his support for ending cannabis prohibition. During the introduction of his 2026-27 budget proposal, Shapiro estimated that a 20% tax on cannabis sales could generate approximately $536.5 million in revenue for the commonwealth within the first year, including revenue from licensing fees.
Warwick emphasized the economic benefits and the need to address past harms caused by marijuana-related criminalization. “We are missing out on a huge revenue opportunity,” she told TribLive, adding that Pennsylvania is “behind the times on this issue.” She as well highlighted the disproportionate impact of marijuana laws on certain communities and the number of individuals incarcerated for marijuana offenses.
The resolution, described as a “will of council” – a non-binding position statement – acknowledges the shifting regional landscape. Four neighboring states – New York, New Jersey, Ohio, and Maryland – have already legalized recreational cannabis, leading to Pennsylvania residents crossing state lines to purchase legal products.
The call for legalization also follows a recent federal move toward reclassifying marijuana. In December, President Donald Trump signed an executive order directing the attorney general to reclassify cannabis as a less dangerous drug, potentially moving it from Schedule I – alongside heroin and LSD – to a category with drugs like Tylenol with codeine. The executive order cited the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ determination that marijuana “has a currently accepted medical use,” with over 30,000 healthcare practitioners recommending it to more than 6 million registered patients for conditions like pain, anorexia, and chemotherapy-induced nausea.
Pittsburgh previously decriminalized possession of small amounts of marijuana in 2016, but advocates argue that full legalization is necessary to address systemic inequities and unlock economic opportunities. The state legislature is currently considering various cannabis legalization proposals, with the outcome remaining uncertain.
Governor Shapiro’s office has also announced significant investment in revitalizing downtown Pittsburgh, allocating $62.6 million in state funding to spur over $600 million in total investment. While not directly related to cannabis legalization, the governor’s broader economic development strategy underscores his focus on revenue generation and economic growth within the commonwealth.
