From midnight Saturday, Delaware It becomes the 22nd US state to legalize cannabis for adult use.governor John Carney (D) On Friday, he announced that two related cannabis legalization bills would be allowed to become law without his signature. The decision comes after neighboring New Jersey and Maryland have already passed laws legalizing cannabis for adults.
Sponsored by Rep. Ed Osienski, HB 1 allows adults over the age of 21 to legally possess limited amounts of cannabis under Delaware law. The bill will go to Governor Carney and become law at the end of Saturday, April 22nd. Meanwhile, HB 2, sent to governors on Friday, April 14, legalizes and regulates the cultivation and sale of cannabis. This separate bill will become law on its final day, Wednesday, April 26. Both bills passed the House and Senate by overwhelming majority.
As a result of these legislative actions, Delaware joins 21 other states that have already legalized cannabis for adult use. Additionally, bills legalizing adult-use cannabis are currently passing state legislatures such as Minnesota and New Hampshire.
The Delaware Cannabis Policy Coalition, which includes several member organizations, has expressed support for the state’s decision. Toy Hutchinson President and CEO Marijuana Policy Project, “With this move, Delawareans can finally celebrate the long-awaited end to cannabis prohibition! We applaud Gov. Carney for not standing in the way of progress. Every time we do, we are one step closer to ending the nationwide cannabis ban.”
Olivia Naugl A senior policy analyst for the Marijuana Policy Project said, “The MPP is proud to have played a key role in the effort to legalize cannabis in Delaware. We will work with Congress to end cannabis prohibition.” We applaud the tireless efforts of our advocates for their commitment to the Legalizing and regulating cannabis will be safer for both cannabis consumers and communities, and will create new sources of good jobs and income for the state.”
Laura Sharer, Delaware NORML The Executive Director also praised the development, stating: This victory is the result of tireless efforts with the support of thousands of volunteers, dozens of legislators, and the majority of the Delaware community. So many advocate for this righteous cause and recognize the need for sensible cannabis policy reform. ”
“This is an important step toward building a just system that respects individual liberties, promotes public health and safety, generates economic growth, and addresses social justice issues,” said Shearer. lawmakers take a progressive and equitable approach to cannabis policy.”
Finally, Jonathan Tate, co-chair of Delaware American Democratic Socialist, Thank you to the Delaware Cannabis Policy Coalition, state legislators, and Governor Carney. He was especially grateful to Rep. Ed Osienski, who “has led this crusade for his ten years.” “Cannabis legalization is exactly the revolutionary reform we are looking for,” Tate said. , to brutalize, imprison, and incapacitate dividing it.”
