DOVER, Del.- Delaware blazes a trail as the 22nd state to legalize recreational marijuana, igniting celebrations among supporters and prompting questions among those still skeptical. Gov. John Carney announced on Friday that he would allow two bills to legalize and regulate adult-use cannabis to become law without his signature, making it legal for anyone over the age of 21 to possess up to an ounce of marijuana.
Delaware joins 21 other states and the District of Columbia in legal recreational marijuana, a move that advocates say will bring in millions of dollars in revenue while reducing the number of arrests and prosecutions for marijuana-related offenses. A 2020 report from the Delaware Department of Finance estimated that legal could bring in over $43 million in annual tax revenue.
The new law will allow adults to possess up to one ounce of marijuana, while also establishing a regulatory framework for the production, distribution, and sale of cannabis products. The state will also expunge past marijuana-related convictions for possess of up to one ounce.
Adult-use stores are expected to open in Delaware in 2024, with the state's Department of Health and Social Services overseeing the licensing and regulation of cultivators, processors, and dispensaries. The state will impose a 15% tax on marijuana sales, with the revenue going toward education, public health, and drug prevention programs.
While the new law is a victory for advocates of marijuana legal, it is not without its critics. Some opponents argue that legal will lead to an increase in drug use and addiction, while others point to concerns about driving under the influence and the potential for increased crime.
Delaware Gov. John Carney said Friday he will let bills to legalize marijuana and create a recreational industry become law without his signature. In a statement, Carney said he still opposes legal but won't stand in the way of the bills becoming law. "It is my hope that this legislation will address the injustices caused by the unequal enforcement of marijuana laws in our state," Carney said.
The debate over marijuana legal has been ongoing in Delaware for years, with lawmakers introducing bills to legalize and regulate cannabis since 2011. While previous attempts failed to gain traction, the passage of similar laws in neighboring states like New Jersey and Pennsylvania may have helped pave the way for Delaware's new law.
WILMINGTON, Del. (CBS) -- recreational marijuana is now legal in Delaware. While some believe this will bring in a lot of 'green' for the state, others worry about the impact it could have on public safety. Supporters say the new law will reduce the number of marijuana-related arrests and prosecutions, while opponents argue that legal will lead to an increase in drug use and addiction.
In addition to legal recreational marijuana, the new law also includes provisions to address past injustices related to marijuana convictions. The law allows for the expungement of past marijuana-related convictions for possess of up to one ounce, which could benefit thousands of Delaware residents.
The governor said in a statement that the debate has gone on for far too long, and though he still opposes legal, he won't stop it from becoming law. "It's time to end the practice of arresting otherwise law-abiding citizens for possess small amounts of marijuana," Carney said.
Marijuana legal is coming to Delaware — without Gov. John Carney's signature. Carney announced Friday that he would not take action on two bills to legalize and regulate adult-use cannabis, effectively allowing them to become law without his approval. The new law allows adults over 21 to possess up to one ounce of marijuana and establishes a regulatory framework for the production, distribution, and sale of cannabis products.
The new law is expected to bring in millions of dollars in annual tax revenue, while reducing the number of arrests and prosecutions for marijuana-related offenses. Supporters argue that legal will also help address past injustices related to marijuana convictions, while opponents warn of potential negative consequences like increased drug use and addiction.
Delaware will become the 22nd state to legalize recreational marijuana and tax and regulate its sale, without Gov. John Carney's support. The new law will allow adults to possess up to one ounce of marijuana and establish a regulatory framework for the production, distribution, and sale of cannabis products. Adult-use stores are expected to open in Delaware in 2024, with the state imposing a 15% tax on marijuana sales. The revenue will go toward education, public health, and drug prevention programs.
Industry
