Will PA Legalize Cannabis in 2025?
This past weekend, Pittsburghers had a lot to celebrate. Easter, Passover, and of course, the other high holy day: 4/20. And we like to think that some of our state lawmakers got in on the fun too! A couple of representatives, including Pittsburgh rep. Emily Kinkead, wrote a new memo about how recreational cannabis could get legalized. This debate over legalization has come up over and over again here in Pennsylvania, so we're revisiting host Megan Harris' conversation with SpotlightPA reporters Ed Mahon and Stephen Caruso to figure out the political climate, the potential hurdles, and exactly how cannabis sales could even work.
**This episode originally aired on January 27, 2025.
Get more from City Cast Pittsburgh when you become a City Cast Pittsburgh Neighbor. You’ll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events and more. Join now at membership.citycast.fm.
Notes and references from today’s show:
- A handful of Pa. doctors approved 1/3 of medical pot cards in a single year. Experts question the quality of care. [Spotlight PA]
- Prior misconduct rarely an obstacle for doctors in Pennsylvania’s medical marijuana program [Spotlight PA]
- Spotlight PA investigation spurs call for more oversight of who can be a medical marijuana doctor [Spotlight PA]
- Thousands more Pennsylvania medical professionals could approve cannabis patients under proposals [Spotlight PA]
- Legal cannabis likely won’t be in this year’s budget, but supporters say there’s a silver lining [Spotlight PA]
Learn more about the sponsors of this April 23rd episode:
Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST
Aura Frames - Get $35-off plus free shipping on the Carver Mat frame with Promo Code CITYCAST
Become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh at membership.citycast.fm.
Want more Pittsburgh news?
- Sign up for our daily morning Hey Pittsburgh newsletter.
- We’re on Instagram @CityCastPgh.
- Text or leave us a voicemail at 412-212-8893.
Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Stay connected to City Cast Pittsburgh and get ready to join the local conversation.
Latest Episodes
Why Pittsburgh's at the Center of the Grocery Store War
For better or worse, Giant Eagle has long been the main grocery store in town — beloved for its sheetcakes, bemoaned for its high prices....

‘Your City Could Be Better’: Why Salt Lakers are Adopting Storm Drains — Presented By City Cast Pittsburgh
How much ownership or responsibility do you feel as a resident of Pittsburgh? In Salt Lake City, people are being asked to “adopt a storm...

Exploding Tick Bombs, Expensive Office Conversions & How Spooky is Pittsburgh?
Pittsburgh's slated to get a lot more housing, from new apartments in the Hill District to converted office buildings Downtown to a decom...

Our Favorite Pittsburgh Coffee Shops
Pittsburgh has no shortage of great coffee shops. Some are perfect for getting work done. Others are better for catching up with friends....

The True Tale of Pittsburgh's Glowing Green Man
There's an urban legend that's left an eerie mark on generations of local kids: a story about a spectre with a glowing green face doomed...

Fall Color, Giant Pumpkins & Pittsburgh's Best Asian Groceries
Fall foliage is starting to pop around Pittsburgh. Host Megan Harris and contributor Sophia Lo share their favorite spots to soak up thos...

‘Your City Could Be Better’: A St. Paul Cell Phone Ban Teens Might Actually Like — Presented By City Cast Pittsburgh
Another Pittsburgh school year has begun — how are cell phones being handled? In Minnesota, one high school is demonstrating that a stric...

Shapiro vs. Garrity, a Mafia-Style Toilet Fundraiser & TBD on New Local Taxes
Pittsburgh and Allegheny County officially announced their 2027 budgets and … wow our finances are not looking good. Host Megan Harris an...

Pittsburgh's Indigenous History
Pittsburgh loves to talk about its history — the forts, the steel mills, the immigrants, the neighborhoods. But the story of this place s...

What Pgh Restaurant Would Hold Your Wake? Plus, Measles & Mulan's Cookbook
It's official: an Allegheny County resident just tested positive for measles. It's part of Pennsylvania's ongoing (and worsening) measles...

