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Pennsylvania Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf Moves To Legalize Recreational Marijuana

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Pennsylvania Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf wants to legalize recreational marijuana in order to help businesses hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic.

Wolf encouraged the legislature to legalize marijuana use with the funds going to small business grants and restorative justice programs, according to an article published Tuesday by CBS Pittsburgh.

“Fifty percent of the funding would be earmarked for historically disadvantaged businesses,” a press release reported by CBS read. “Along with the call to the General Assembly to pass legislation legalizing the sale and use of recreational marijuana, the governor proposes that a portion of the revenue be used to further restorative justice programs that give priority to repairing the harm done to crime victims and communities as a result of marijuana criminalization.” (RELATED: Seth Rogen Admits He’s Smoked A ‘Truly Ungodly Amount Of Weed’ In Quarantine)

Wolf also said he wants to see the General Assembly work on criminal justice reform policies that help individuals convicted of marijuana-related offenses.

Wolf legalized medical marijuana on April 6, 2016 and it became available to patients through dispensaries across the state on Feb. 15, 2018, according to the state’s website.

Recreational marijuana is legal to buy over the age of 21 in 11 states and in Washington, D.C.

Illinois was the most recent state to legalize recreational marijuana. Legal sales began in the state on Jan. 1, according to Business Insider.