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Cannabis isn’t fully legal in Pennsylvania yet — though medical cannabis is already permitted. Bills have come and gone, and with most of our surrounding states having legalized recreational use, it’s not if legalization happens — but when. The key question for Dupont is whether we’ll be ready, or whether outside interests will shape the result.

Currently, every dollar spent on legal cannabis by Pennsylvanians is funding other states’ communities, not ours. Here’s what our neighbors are earning right now:

• New York collected over $80 million in cannabis taxes and fees in 2023–2024. For 2025, the state projects $162 million, with revenue expected to climb to $248 million next year and reach $374 million by 2029.
• Maryland generated nearly $73 million in tax revenue in 2024 alone, with more than $22 million collected in the second quarter and $17.6 million in the fourth quarter.
• New Jersey and Maryland combined saw more than $1 billion in cannabis sales in 2024.
• Pennsylvania itself already ranks among the top medical cannabis markets in the country, with over $1.7 billion in medical sales in 2024. But every recreational dollar spent goes across state lines — to New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, or Ohio.

If Pennsylvania legalizes recreational cannabis, estimates show our state could generate between $105 million and $236 million in the first year alone, growing to $320 million to $610 million by year four. Over the first four years, that’s between $1 billion and $1.4 billion in revenue. Some studies project even higher — as much as $2.1 billion within five years.

I’ve witnessed firsthand the impact of legalization. As a chef working on cannabis farms in Northern California and Southern Oregon, I saw local businesses thrive, jobs created, and communities strengthened when governments were prepared. But I also saw how quickly outside corporations moved in when towns failed to act. That’s why Dupont needs to be proactive.

If recreational cannabis comes to Pennsylvania, I want Dupont to be ready — responsibly and strategically:

• Enact clear zoning and licensing standards that ensure businesses are safe, compliant, and community-focused.
• Dedicate cannabis tax revenue directly to public safety, senior services, veterans, and infrastructure — not let it vanish into the general fund.
• Partner with law enforcement to regulate fairly and consistently, keeping our community safe.

Handled correctly, cannabis can be a tool to strengthen Dupont — but only if we prepare now. Other towns are already reaping the benefits. If we lag behind, we risk facing the challenges without sharing in the gains.

This isn’t about being trendy. It’s about smart, forward-looking leadership. Let’s make sure Dupont captures every possible advantage when the moment arrives.

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