Pittsburgh council urges state to legalize adult-use cannabis during 2026 session

City Council of the City of Pittsburgh voted on Feb. 17 to endorse state-level legalization of adult-use cannabis and urged lawmakers and the governor to act in the 2026 legislative session.

Councilwoman Barbara Warwick presented the "will of council" resolution arguing that federal rescheduling of cannabis opened opportunities for research and that Pennsylvania's continued criminalization imposes disproportionate harms on communities of color and low-income residents. The resolution "calls on Governor Josh Shapiro and the Pennsylvania General Assembly to act with urgency and pass comprehensive adult use cannabis legalization during a 2026 legislative session," Warwick said while reading the text.

The resolution also asked state leaders to prioritize decriminalization, social equity, expungement of prior cannabis-related offenses, expanded patient and veteran access, and inclusive economic opportunity for small businesses and workers. After the motion and a second, council approved the will of council by voice vote; there was no roll-call tally recorded in the meeting minutes.

Why it matters: Council members framed the measure as a response to neighboring states that have legalized adult-use cannabis and to concerns that Pennsylvania is losing tax revenue and economic opportunity while continuing to criminalize possession for many residents. The resolution directs the clerk to transmit copies to the governor, the Pennsylvania House and Senate leadership, and the county legislative delegation.

Next steps: The action is advisory and urges state lawmakers to draft and pass legislation. The council did not authorize local regulatory changes at this meeting; any municipal implementation would depend on future state law and subsequent local action.