Delaware House passes bill legalizing recreational activities

A majority of lawmakers in the Delaware House of Representatives voted in favor of a bill legalizing recreational cannabis, but that was still below the threshold needed for the legislation to progress.

The Associated Press reported that “[m]Members of the Democrat-led chamber voted 23-14 in favor of the bill, but a three-fifths majority of 25 votes was required because it would impose a new tax. Lawmakers, including two Democrats, chose not to vote.

Though Delaware is a solid blue state, like its most famous native son, President Joe Biden, Delaware has been slow to move towards legalization.

As the AP reported, backer of the bill, which was defeated on Thursday, Democratic House Representative Ed Osienski, noted that “Delaware is the only state in the country with a Democratic governor and a Democratic-controlled legislature that doesn’t support legalization.” has approved.”

“We’re unique,” Oseinski said.

The state’s governor, John Carney, has long been a vocal opponent of cannabis legalization.

“Look, I just don’t think that’s a good idea,” Carney said last year, arguing that marijuana could exacerbate the state’s opioid crisis.

“When you talk to the parents of some of these people who overdosed and died, they don’t think it’s a good idea because they remember the trajectories of their own sons and daughters,” the governor said. “And I’m not saying that’s always a gateway for all of this, but when you talk to these Attack Addiction advocates, they don’t think it’s a very good idea.”

“When I look at other states that have it, it just doesn’t seem very positive to me because of the strength of the community and economy in their states,” he added. “Is it the worst thing in the world? No of course not.”

Osienski’s bill drew no support from his GOP peers, with a notable objection coming from Republican House Representative Mike Smith.

According to the Associated Press, Smith was “the only GOP member on the Health and Human Development Committee to vote in January to allow the bill to go through House-wide consideration,” and his vote against the bill on Thursday came after Democrats voted a had rejected a number of amendments he had proposed, including one that would have “added felony convictions for violating the Delaware tax code or controlled substances law to the criteria that the state might consider when deciding whether to give someone issues a license for the marijuana industry”.

Smith, as quoted by the AP, blamed Democrats for the bill’s downfall.

“I hope people remember this moment because you prevented marijuana legalization,” Smith said.

Osienski called Smith’s amendments “disingenuous” in the 11th hour.

“I’ve worked with Republicans … and the first time I saw his amendments was today,” he said, as quoted by the AP.

The setback is nothing new for Oseinski. Last summer, he saw his legalization bill removed from the House agenda just hours before it was due to be voted on.

Osienski broke it down at the time.

“Part of our effort has been to create a level playing field for those most affected 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,” Osienski said at the time. “Put simply, we do not have the 31 votes needed to pass the law as it stands.”

“However, removing the fund – which would restore the original, attainable 3/5 majority – would raise other concerns about our commitment to these communities. My job at this stage is to find a compromise that all supporters can rally behind. If we reach that compromise, I will submit HB 150 for consideration. I am committed to continuing to work with all parties to find a solution that will allow Delaware to become the next state to legalize adult recreational marijuana,” he added.