In a recent interview with City & State Pennsylvania, Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA) expressed his belief that marijuana legalization in his home state is "inevitable." However, he acknowledged the hurdles posed by Republican opposition to the "common sense" policy, despite strong support from the majority of voters.

Fetterman, a long-time advocate for cannabis legalization, emphasized the need for reform at both the state and federal levels. Reflecting on Ohio's recent vote to legalize cannabis, he questioned why Republicans in Pennsylvania continue to oppose a measure that is supported by their own constituents.

"It's absolutely absurd-how many states around Pennsylvania are we falling behind?" Fetterman stated. "I don't know why Republicans are opposing it, because the majority of their constituents want this. It shouldn't be that hard in Pennsylvania."

The senator drew parallels between cannabis and regulated products like tobacco and alcohol, emphasizing the importance of providing a safe and tested market that can generate revenue for the state, rather than allowing illegal trade to thrive.

Fetterman argued that the issue of marijuana legalization is bipartisan, as demonstrated by his experience leading a listening tour across Pennsylvania while serving as lieutenant governor. He attributed the continued prohibition to the resistance of Republican lawmakers, who he claimed often oppose policies that enjoy widespread support.

"In Pennsylvania, they're gumming it up, and I suspect any national way of legalizing it will be gummed up by Republicans too," Fetterman explained. "The truth is, it's going to be legal."

The senator pointed out that the legalization of cannabis in other states has not resulted in chaos or negative impacts. Instead, he stressed that Pennsylvania is falling behind neighboring states such as New York, New Jersey, Maryland, the District of Columbia, and now Ohio.

In Pennsylvania, the push for marijuana reform is gaining momentum. A House committee recently held an informational meeting to hear from experts on adult-use cannabis legalization. The committee's chairman suggested that the path for reform may include consideration of a state-run cannabis sales model.

Echoing Fetterman's sentiment, Gov. Josh Shapiro (D) also emphasized the need for Pennsylvania to follow in the footsteps of Ohio's recent legalization and move towards cannabis reform.

Fetterman also touched upon the ongoing administrative review of marijuana's scheduling under the Controlled Substance Act, which President Joe Biden directed last year. He highlighted his previous discussions on marijuana policy with the president and expressed hope that cannabis rescheduling would occur alongside equity provisions, particularly "mass expungement," to address past harms caused by prohibition.

The senator's advocacy for drug policy reform extends beyond cannabis. Fetterman has also championed psychedelics reform, specifically highlighting the potential therapeutic benefits of psilocybin mushrooms and their economic potential for Pennsylvania.

As Pennsylvania continues to face hurdles and GOP resistance in its path towards marijuana legalization, Fetterman remains confident that legalization is inevitable. He urged his fellow lawmakers to take proactive measures and "do the right thing."

The fight for cannabis reform in Pennsylvania seems far from over, but with growing support and neighboring states enacting change, it may only be a matter of time before the Keystone State follows suit.