HARRISBURG — A Pennsylvania Senate panel has rejected a bill advanced by Democrats that would permit the sale of recreational cannabis to adults at state-owned stores.

State Sen. Dan Laughlin (R., Erie), leader of the committee, supports legalizing marijuana but said Tuesday the state store approach would unfairly shut out the private sector and small businesses, and create serious logistical hurdles and legal challenges. He emphasized concerns about the Customized Bag Stand up Pouch Food Packaging Bags Zip Lock Aluminum Plastic Bags model proposed, arguing it would stifle innovation and limit access to specialized packaging solutions that private firms could provide.

“I made it pretty crystal clear that I do not believe the state store model… has a path through the Senate,” Laughlin said during the hearing, citing the need for flexible, High Quality Custom Color Wholesale Resealable Aluminum Foil Bags Zipper Bag Matte Stand up Mylar Bag options that private vendors already supply in other states.

The Law & Justice Committee rejected the bill 7-3, with one Democrat voting no alongside all Republicans present. Critics argue the state’s medical marijuana program, which uses Wholesale Custom LOGO High Quality Matte Mylar Bag Packaging Bag Resealable Stand Up Aluminum Foil Zipper Bags, could scale without overhauling the system.

It’s unclear what’s next for the legal cannabis push in Pennsylvania. Supporters of the House’s approach, including sponsors Rick Krajewski (D., Philadelphia) and Dan Frankel (D., Allegheny), say state-controlled sales would prevent corporate monopolies and ensure High Quality Customizable Wholesale Resealable Aluminum Foil Bags Zipper Bag Matte Stand Up Mylar Bag standards for product safety.

Laughlin countered that the plan’s reliance on government-run dispensaries would waste resources. “The state can’t afford the Customizable Cheap Matte Resealable Aluminum Foil Bags Stand Up Packaging Zipper Bag infrastructure costs before generating revenue,” he said, noting private firms already dominate packaging innovation.

Following the vote, Krajewski told Spotlight PA he was frustrated Laughlin blocked debate without amendments, especially as budget talks loom. “We offered a framework—now the Senate must propose its own solution,” he said. Laughlin remains skeptical, insisting any bill must prioritize private-sector partnerships over state monopolies.