Delaware advocates respond to halting legalization progress

Delaware was being prepared for possible legalization during this legislature. The opportunity seemed promising, especially considering how advances are playing in Virginia, Connecticut, and other newly approved states. It isn’t meant to be now, however, as changes have delayed any legal cannabis advancement until at least 2022.

HB 150, the bill that would have legalized adult cannabis use in Delaware, was passed 10-5 in March by the House and Human Development Committee. Wilmington City Council also passed a resolution that would support this decision, and polls show there is a lot of support for this law in Delaware.

So it looked like things were moving forward as the House of Representatives was ready to vote on legal cannabis from June 10th. However, the bill was removed from the agenda just hours before the vote. Now activists have not given up hope and are speaking out in favor of the next steps.

Disappointment in Delaware

“Part of our effort has been to level the playing field for those hardest hit by the failed war on drugs. However, the inclusion of our proposed Social Justice Fund would make House Bill 150 a 3/4 majority bill under the Delaware Constitution, ”said Rep. Ed Osienski, a Democrat and principal sponsor of the law. “Simply put, we don’t have the 31 votes it takes to get the law passed in its current form.

“However, the abolition of the Fund – which would restore the original, achievable 3/5 majority – would raise other concerns about our commitment to these communities. My job in this phase is to find a compromise that all supporters can unite behind. If we can reach this compromise, I will submit HB 150 for consideration. I am determined to continue to work with all parties to find a solution that will enable Delaware to become the next state to legalize adult marijuana. ”

Delaware CAN executive director Zoë Patchell also expressed disappointment at the delay, as criminal justice and police reform is an urgent matter that cannot wait another year. People’s livelihoods are at stake. “In the interests of all the people and communities affected by the cannabis ban on a daily basis, we really hoped that lawmakers would come to an agreement before the end of the session and finally the arrests and police contact for behavior that is now legal at 18 ended. “States and the capital of our nation,” Patchell said.

Patchell went on to explain that those hardest hit by the war on drugs are people of color and people from lower socioeconomic backgrounds. “The cost of waiting will ruin thousands of lives, continue targeted enforcement, especially in poor and colored communities, and is likely to lead to an increase in cannabis crime. We also expect consumers to flock to New Jersey and start building secure access networks, ”Patchell said.

Laura Sharer, Executive Director of Delaware NORML added, “Legalizing cannabis is about more than just enabling recreational use or the money that can be made. This fundamental reform is about undoing a century of racist politics that disproportionately targeted black and Latino communities. It’s about rebuilding the communities that have suffered the most damage. And it’s about making sure everyone has access to the opportunities that the legal cannabis market offers.

“All of the arrests have failed. Legalization gives us the chance to implement a public health cannabis policy. Now we have to bring our legislators together to ensure that this measure is passed quickly. “

Activists want legal cannabis and have been working on it in Delaware for a decade, but it looks like they’ll be delayed for at least another year.

“Legalization isn’t just happening in Delaware, it takes real work,” Patchell said. “We are faced with well-equipped, powerful opponents who want to continue the cannabis ban and maintain the control it grants over our residents. Every year our legislators seem to give in to these powers. We do not have the option of putting legalization on the ballot, and our legislative measure repeatedly faces a filibuster-like requirement with a super majority. Therefore, we aim to keep our supporters and advocates on the busy path and work together for the next few months to lead Delaware into a better future with legal cannabis. ”