It’s high time for Pa. to legalize adult-use marijuana
Pennsylvania is an island of cannabis prohibition (“Sen. Laughlin urged to advance vote on adult-use marijuana,” March 10). It’s time for lawmakers to move in another direction.
Let’s be clear. Legalization neither creates nor normalizes the marijuana market. This market is already prevalent throughout Pennsylvania. But under a policy of criminal prohibition, this market remains underground and those involved in it remain unaccountable. They don’t pay taxes. They don’t check IDs; and they don’t test the purity of their product. Disputes that arise in the illicit marketplace are not adjudicated in courts of law.
This undated file photo depicts mature marijuana plants that members of the Pennsylvania State Police Vice Unit found growing in a cornfield in the Erie region.
By contrast, cannabis products under a legally regulated system are available from state-licensed manufacturers at retail dispensaries. Cannabis is cultivated, and products are manufactured, in accordance with standard practices. Products are lab tested and labeled accordingly — ensuring that consumers have access to products of known purity and potency.
Twenty-four states have enacted legislation regulating the adult-use cannabis market. None of these states have repealed or even rolled back their laws, and public support for these policies has never been higher.
After a century of failed prohibitionist policies, Pennsylvanians are ready for a policy change — one that legalizes, regulates and educates. The state already regulates medical cannabis products and it is high time for lawmakers to similarly regulate the adult-use marketplace.
Paul Armentano, deputy director, National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML), Washington, DC
Erie should welcome Scott Enterprises’ bayfront investments
Nick Scott Sr. and family are the first and only major private investors in bayfront economic development, all other projects being developed one way or another by government entities. Why does this matter? It is a positive sign of Erie’s economic potential as a tourist destination.
More: Proposed $32M bayfront hotel debated at Erie City Council hearing
Private investors and their lenders do not spend these multi-millions because “the community needs it” or because “it will enhance our standard of living.” The private sector invests because it sees the potential to make money and therefore pay taxes and employ Erieites.
When you look at Erie in the 21st century, two people come to mind who help drive the local economy and confidence in the future, Tom Hagen and Nick Scott. Erie has waited over 200 years to see the potentials of its waterfront and Perry Square, ensuring employment of thousands as thriving economic drivers.
These are renderings of a proposed new $32 million, 140-room Marriott AC hotel adjacent to and just east of the Hampton Inn, 130 E. Front St., near the Blasco Library. Here, a reader urges support for the project.
Of course, they should be subject to all relevant land use and zoning requirements. But don’t knock the private sector for being willing to invest hundreds of millions in the community. I lived on the bluff overlooking GAF and the water department, from the times of mud and railroad tracks to the highway opening the area to economic development. Erie has waited too long for this private reinvestment.
Please don’t screw this up.
Bob Ploehn, Amelia Island, FL
This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: Pa. marijuana legalization, Erie bayfront investments | Letters