On Monday, Gov. Tom Wolf chose Monroe County to make a renewed push for legalization of recreational marijuana for adult use.

Appearing with state Rep. Maureen Madden, D-Monroe, and a local industrial hemp farmer, Wolf spoke about that industry’s positive benefits for the state’s economy, as well as the need to end prosecution for something which is legal in 11 other states.

“Now more than ever Pennsylvania needs the jobs, we need the economic growth, we need the revenue and we need the restorative justice that the legalization of adult use cannabis would provide,” he said.

“It’s what Pennsylvania wants, it’s what Pennsylvania needs.

Wolf made his first call for legalization after Lt. Gov. John Fetterman returned from his listening tour to all 67 counties, and renewed it over the summer.

Wolf said that prosecuting crimes for low-level marijuana offenses is an injustice that can be reversed by legalization.

He said his administration has already taken early steps to reverse that damage, like the 2018 clean slate law, which seals low-level offenses if a person is not convicted of another crime for 10 years.

He’s also encouraged the board of pardons to expedite pardons for marijuana-related offenses.

“But these things take time, that’s the problem,” he said.

“While they’re waiting, their conviction is making it harder for them to get a job, to find somewhere to live, to support their family.”

Wolf said that legalization will also provide an economic benefit during a time when the state is under economic strain.

He cautioned that Pennsylvania could miss out on the economic benefits if New Jersey decides to legalize marijuana.

Wolf also said industrial hemp provides an example of how legalizing marijuana could help Pennsylvania’s agriculture industry.

Farmer Eric Titus White, who grows industrial hemp on his farm in East Stroudsburg, said cannabis is providing economic benefits, environmental benefits, and even community benefits as he welcomes people to his farm to teach them about the possible uses.

White is challenging the perception of what hemp can be used for, by producing building materials from the plant.

His hemp building products provide an all natural, insulating material. He’s eager for the opportunity to grow legal recreational cannabis as well.

“This is a plant that thrives in its natural environment. You give it good soil and it gives you good medicine,” he said.

Madden, an early supporter of marijuana legalization, said the state should not repeat the mistake it made when it missed the opportunity to tax Marcellus Shale drilling.

“That could be going to important projects in our underserved communities,” she said.

Madden said the Mountain Center in Tobyhanna, a former school, was a great place to discuss it because it has benefited from large state grants which could go away if the state doesn’t find new revenue sources like legalizing marijuana. Today it hosts a wide array of nonprofits including a food bank.

Madden said it is also overdue to end the prosecution of possession of something which is legal in 11 states and recognized medicinally in 36, including Pennsylvania.

She said it’s time for her fellow legislators to get on board with the majority of Pennsylvanians who favor legalization.

“It is our job to listen to them and pass legislation that benefits the people and is the will of the people,” she said.