Wolf now calls for legalizing marijuana

By TAYLOR BROWN
tbrown@yourmvi.com
On Wednesday, Gov. Tom Wolf announced his support of legalizing marijuana for recreational use.
And, according to Lt. Gov. John Fetterman’s final Cannabis Listening Tour report, most Pennsylvanians – and counties in the Mon Valley – seem to agree.
Here is a breakdown of the report by counties in the Mon Valley:
Allegheny County
The tour stopped in Allegheny County on May 11 and 100 attended the event in person.
Still, more than 4,000 residents participated by leaving online comments, sending emails or making phone calls regarding the matter.
Of those in attendance the day of the tour, 85% were for legalization and 15% were against it.
No one was undecided.
Of the comments made from Allegheny County residents, which generated 4,058 responses, 90% were for legalization, 8% were against it and 2% were undecided.
Fetterman said the prime reason for opposition in Allegheny were concerns about full legalization and the preference to decriminalize cannabis first.
Fayette County
Fetterman stopped in Fayette County March 5 and 125 residents attended, with 57% who supported legalization, 40% who opposed it and 3% who were undecided.
The stop generated 412 online, email and phone responses, with 74% supporting the measure, 25% opposing it and 1% being undecided.
In Fayette County, Fetterman said of the responses received in person and online, those in favor of the legalization cited pros like economic tax benefits.
They also cited the fact that cannabis is a naturally occurring substance.
Those who opposed it, or were undecided, were reportedly concerned with how it could affect families and communities, believe it does not support a healthy lifestyle and is a gateway drug.
Washington County
On Feb. 18 in Washington County, 150 residents attended the event and 600 online responses were generated.
Of those in attendance the day of the tour, 85% were for legalization and 10% were against it and 6% were undecided.
Comments, emails and phone calls were 82% for legalization, 16% against it and 2% undecided.
Washington County residents who attended or responded in support of the legalization claim cannabis – a natural substance – is safer than alcohol and would have economic benefits. Those who oppose the measure said they would like to have more education and research regarding the matter and expressed concerns on how revenue generated would be spent. They also expressed concerns about the affects of secondhand smoke exposure to children.

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