Pennsylvania allows regulated medical cannabis use while continuing to prohibit recreational weed at the state level, creating a legal landscape shaped by ongoing debate and partial local reform. Patients with qualifying conditions can legally access medical marijuana through the state’s medical program, but possession outside approved medical limits remains illegal, even as some cities have moved to decriminalize small amounts. This page explains Pennsylvania’s current marijuana legality, including medical cannabis rules, recreational restrictions, possession penalties, local decriminalization efforts, and where legalization proposals currently stand. For readers who want to compare how Pennsylvania’s cannabis laws differ nationwide, see our comprehensive breakdown of cannabis regulations by location across U.S. states, major cities, and countries worldwide in the Cannabis Laws by Location guide.
Table of Contents
Is marijuana legal in Pennsylvania
1. Medical Marijuana
Legal Status:
Medical marijuana is legal in Pennsylvania since 2016 under the Medical Marijuana Act.
Eligibility & Access:
- Patients must be diagnosed with one or more qualifying medical conditions such as chronic pain, PTSD, epilepsy, cancer, multiple sclerosis, and anxiety disorders.
- A state-registered physician must certify the patient.
- Patients must obtain a medical marijuana ID card through the Pennsylvania Department of Health.
Approved Forms:
- Vaporized products (not smoked flower)
- Oils and concentrates
- Tinctures
- Capsules
- Topicals
Purchase Limits:
- Patients may obtain up to a 90-day supply, purchased only from licensed dispensaries.
2. Recreational Marijuana
Legal Status:
Recreational marijuana remains illegal at the state level.
Recent Legislative Activity:
- In May 2025, the Pennsylvania House passed a bill to legalize adult-use cannabis for individuals aged 21 and over.
- The bill included:
- Possession limits: Up to 42.5 grams of flower, 5 grams of concentrate, or 500 mg THC in other products per day.
- Home cultivation: Up to two mature and two immature plants per adult (with a permit).
- Retail model: Sales through state-run stores managed by the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board.
- Taxation: 12% excise tax earmarked for education, public transit, and community reinvestment.
- Expungement: Automatic clearing of certain marijuana-related convictions.
Senate Rejection:
- The Republican-controlled Senate rejected the bill, citing opposition to a state-run sales model.
- Alternative preferences include a privatized retail approach.
Governor’s Position:
- Governor Josh Shapiro supports legalization and included it in the 2025–2026 budget proposal.
3. Local Decriminalization
Municipal Actions:
- Cities like Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Erie have decriminalized possession of small amounts.
- These measures typically treat possession as a civil offense, resulting in fines rather than criminal charges.
Statewide Penalties:
- Possession of up to 30 grams remains a misdemeanor.
- Penalties include a $500 fine and up to 30 days in prison.
4. Summary
- Medical marijuana: Legal and regulated.
- Recreational marijuana: Illegal but under active legislative debate.
- Local policy: Some decriminalization exists, but state law still enforces penalties.
- The future of recreational legalization depends on overcoming opposition in the state Senate.
