Bill to sell legal marijuana through state stores rejected by GOP-led panel

A leading Republican supporter of legal marijuana said the proposal would shut out the private sector and create logistical challenges.

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...