Cannabis clean slate would provide transformative legislation
Rep. Carroll, committee hear from experts on needed reforms
Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus April 20, 2026 | 3:40 PM
PHILADELPHIA, April 20 – For too many people in historically underserved communities, a minor cannabis offense has meant years of lost opportunities and collateral consequences. Difficulty finding housing and struggles to find good-paying jobs can plague a person long after a cannabis conviction in Pennsylvania.
The House Majority Policy Committee hosted a hearing on cannabis clean slate, highlighting the complex difficulties of Pennsylvania remaining one of 19 states where a cannabis conviction can result in jail time. Pennsylvania has legalized medical marijuana, and it remains situated next to numerous states (Del., Md., N.J., N.Y. and Ohio) that have legalized adult-use cannabis.
“When people can work, find housing, and strive to help their families realize a better life, our communities are safer and stronger,” said Rep. Andre D. Carroll, who represents portions of Philadelphia. “I look forward to the day when the Senate GOP in Pennsylvania finally catches up with the House and legalizes adult-use cannabis. When that day comes, clearing outdated cannabis criminal records must be part of the equation. No one should carry a lifelong record for past behavior that will now be legal.”
A recording of the hearing’s livestream is available here: https://www.youtube.com/live/dknFYm-2G54.
“When adult-use cannabis is ultimately signed into law, clean slate reform will be needed to provide fairness and economic growth — giving people a real second chance while strengthening our workforce and communities,” said Policy Committee Chairman Ryan Bizzarro, who represents portions of Erie County.
Last year, the Pennsylvania House passed landmark legislation that would have legalized adult-use cannabis and it would have cleared criminal records for those impacted by cannabis-related offenses. Senate Republicans voted down the legislation and have not moved any bill forward for a full vote from their chamber.
Submitted testimony detailed that Pennsylvania has made more than 250,000 arrests since states began adult-use legalization. About half of United States adults have admitted using cannabis, and the vast majority (nine-of-10) adult residents support some form of legalized cannabis.
The Braid Mill in the Germantown neighborhood of Philadelphia hosted the hearing on 4/20. The hearing featured testimony from Last Prisoner Project Director Stephanie Shepard, who was convicted of conspiracy to distribute marijuana as a first-time, non-violent offender and sentenced to 10 years in prison; Dr. Christi M. Smith, a retired probation and parole officer testifying on behalf of Law Enforcement Action Partnership; and attorney Jamie Gullen from Community Legal Services, an organization which works with residents after convictions on a series of issues – including employment, youth advocacy and clearing records.
Smith noted she changed her position on cannabis during the last 10 years. As a drug court officer, she saw the irreparable harm people experienced in the justice system – and they would not have been in the system if not for a minor cannabis conviction. Working in academia, she examined research showing cannabis prohibition did not improve public safety or make communities safer.
Information about this hearing and other House Majority Policy Committee hearings can be found at pahouse.com/policy. Photos to be used for publication can be found at https://www.facebook.com/PADemPolicy/.