Senator Williams To Host Forum On Marijuana Legalization in PA

With the Pennsylvania General Assembly moving forward on legislation to legalize medical cannabis, state Senator Anthony H. Williams will hold a forum next week at the University of Pennsylvania School of Law, to discuss the pros and cons of legalizing marijuana in Pennsylvania.

Sen. Anthony H. Williams’ free forum, “The Great Marijuana Debate,” will unfold before what is expected to be a standing-room-only crowd. The June 14 forum will begin with registration at 9:30 a.m. on that Saturday in the Fitts Auditorium at the University of Pennsylvania. The event will run from 10 a.m. until noon.

Williams said his conversation on this issue will consider how potential revenue from a tax on legal marijuana would help Pennsylvania increase its investments in education and impact the state’s pension problem. Plus, legalizing and taxing marijuana could provide a multi-million dollar recurring revenue source that our state could tap into for years to come.

The following officials from business, education, government, religion, and medicine are scheduled to participate in the forum, including:

•       Derek Rosenzweig, Philly NORML and co-founder of Pennsylvanians for Medical Marijuana

•       Yesha Ministries Bishop J. Darrell Robinson

•       George Forsythe, former Maryland State Policeman and a member of Law Enforcement Against Prohibition, or LEAP

•       Philadelphia City Councilman Jim Kenney

•       Dr. Jahan Marcu, Americans for Safe Access Multidisciplinary Scientific Advisory Board and the 2012 “Cannabis Researcher of the Year”

•       Curtis Douglas, Esq., Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office

•       Capt. Thomas Davidson, Philly Police Department’s Narcotics Field Unit

•       Rachelle Yeung, Esq., Marijuana Policy Project

While a free event, tickets will be required for admission. RSVP requests can be made at 215-492-2980.

Media coverage is encouraged.

WHO:             Sen. Anthony H. Williams, advocates and opponents of marijuana legalization

WHEN:          Saturday, June 14th at 9:30 a.m. (registration), 10 – 12:30 p.m.

WHERE:       Fitts Auditorium, University of Pennsylvania Law School, 3501 Sansom St., Philadelphia