Governor Wolf’s administration oversaw efforts to create an expedited review process for pardoning those with past, low-level marijuana-related convictions. “These efforts to move more Pennsylvanians through the pardons process is part of a larger effort to do all that we can do to give people a fair second chance.” (Link)

Governor Wolf’s position with regard to cannabis legalization has evolved in recent years. In 2019, for the first time, the Governor expressed support for regulating adult-use cannabis activities.

After the completion of Lt. Governor Fetterman's Marijuana Legalization Listening Tour of 2019, Governor Wolf evolved on his public opinion on legalization. He is now a vocal supporter for legalization, and restorative criminal justice reform tied to any legislation.

Signed Medical Marijuana into law in PA in April 2016. Strong proponent throughout the process.

"Pennsylvanians want legalized marijuana. Until the legislature acts, I'm offering pardons for select minor possession convictions." (September 2022)

"I signed my 2,000th pardon this month. This was one of the greatest honors of my time in office. Since 2015, I granted 2,098 pardons. 326 were part of an expedited review for marijuana offenses. We all deserve the opportunity to learn from our mistakes and do better tomorrow." (8/23/22)

"I urge the legislature to join me in building a foundation now to strengthen Pennsylvania's economy by legalizing cannabis for adult use," Gov. Wolf said. "This is revenue that can help Pennsylvanians adversely impacted by the criminal justice system access restorative justice programs, it can be earmarked to help our historically disadvantaged small businesses weather the economic crisis caused by COVID-19, and it will give our economy a much-needed boost."

"The decriminalization and legalization of adult-use cannabis are what the people of Pennsylvania want," Gov. Wolf said. "I urge the General Assembly to listen to them." (9/16/20)

“I think it's time for the General Assembly to sit down and craft a bill that actually recognizes that Pennsylvania is ready for [legalizing marijuana], and also takes advantage of what we've learned from other states in terms of what to do and what not to do.” (2019)

In late 2018, Gov. Wolf shifted his position toward one that is sympathetic to the merits of adult use legalization, tweeting: “More and more states are successfully implementing marijuana legalization, and we need to keep learning from their efforts. Any change would take legislation. But I think it is time for Pennsylvania to take a serious and honest look at recreational marijuana.” (12/19/18)

Gov. Tom Wolf vowed to protect Pennsylvanians from what he called "backwards attacks" by the federal government on the state's new medical marijuana program.

Wolf's stance came following U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions announcement that he is doing away with the Obama-era policy that had paved the way for legalized marijuana to flourish in states across the country. (1/04/18)

Although a supporter of medical marijuana, Wolf is still unsure about full scale legalization in Pennsylvania.

"I don't think Pennsylvania is ready for it," Wolf told NBC10 Wednesday. "I think that's important. This is a democracy and you can't move ahead of the electorate."

"How do you do it?" Wolf continued. "How do you regulate it? Who can buy it? How do you tax it?" (3/08/17) 

Rather, Wolf has publicly expressed support for decriminalizing marijuana (3/7/17)