After serving as a police officer for over 15 years, Ralph Miller transitioned into a new yet familiar role—driving with a partner, staying vigilant, and ensuring secure deliveries. However, instead of patrolling in a squad car, he now operates an unmarked van filled with medical cannabis.

Miller works for Talaria, Pennsylvania’s largest cannabis transportation company, which employs former law enforcement officers to transport $1.5 billion worth of medical marijuana annually. The company, along with others like Titanium Security & Surveillance, prioritizes hiring veterans and ex-police officers due to their experience in security, long hours on the road, and time-sensitive operations.

Cannabis transportation emerged as an industry following Pennsylvania’s legalization of medical marijuana in 2016. With Gov. Josh Shapiro now pushing for recreational legalization to boost state revenue, companies specializing in cannabis transport could see significant growth.

Transporting cannabis comes with high-security measures—drivers are armed, vehicles are monitored with live-feed cameras, and deliveries adhere to strict state regulations. In Pennsylvania, transporters must operate within state borders, travel in pairs, and only deliver between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m. Despite these restrictions, companies like Talaria have expanded operations to multiple states.

Pennsylvania licenses only 50 dispensaries and 25 growers, limiting the industry’s customer base. However, if recreational cannabis is legalized, the market could expand significantly. Shapiro’s budget proposal aims to legalize cannabis by July 1, with sales beginning in 2026, potentially generating $1.3 billion in revenue over five years. If passed, Pennsylvania would become the 25th state to allow recreational cannabis, opening new opportunities for the cannabis transport sector.

Read the full article here: A Growing Industry: How Cannabis Is Moved Across Pennsylvania