Marijuana Laws
As recorded December 15, 2025 · not verified as current law. Pennsylvania law
Cannabis laws in Reading follow Pennsylvania’s state law. Local variations are uncommon—jurisdiction law sets the baseline for legality and penalties.
Recreational cannabis is illegal. Medical cannabis is legal for registered patients with qualifying conditions through licensed dispensaries. Unregistered possession can result in legal penalties.
Quick facts
- Recreational: Illegal
- Medical: Legal
- Possession: Legal for registered patients only
- Buying/Selling: Legal for medical patients
- Tourists: Subject to the same laws as residents
Practical guidance
Avoid cross-border transport of cannabis products. Do not assume informal tolerance equals legality.
Legislative Background
Pennsylvania legalized medical cannabis in 2016 through Act 16, creating one of the nation's more comprehensive programs with licensed dispensaries, a wide range of qualifying conditions (including chronic pain and PTSD), and allowances for various product forms. Recreational use remains illegal, with unregistered possession treated as a misdemeanor or felony depending on amount.
Law Enforcement
Police were visible, but the street-level impression was of an underfunded department that struggled to find officers and cover the city.
Where to Buy Marijuana
Groups of young adults usually knew somebody, though a stranger could still get ripped off. A-Field in nearby Antietam came up. The Albright College dorms were a different story because campus security was tight.
Marijuana Prices
- Schwag: about US$10 per ⅛ oz, US$20 per ¼ oz, US$30–35 per ½ oz or US$60 per oz. There were occasional US$50 ounces.
- Mids or nug were a lucky find.
Types of Marijuana
Lower-grade Mexican weed was what some sellers tried to pass off on visitors. Kind bud, BC dro and some good Orange also turned up.
More Information
The suburbs felt nicer to some people but took more connections. ‘Two hours’ was the estimate for police response in the account. Happy rolling.