Delaware lawmakers renew efforts to legalize pot

Democratic lawmakers in Delaware performed an annual legislative ritual last week by introducing measures that would legalize recreational marijuana.

And according to more recent tradition, their biggest obstacle remains the highest-ranking member of their own national party.

The Delaware News Journal reports that members of the state House of Representatives introduced two bills on Friday to legalize and create a recreational marijuana industry in Delaware, sparking a likely struggle within the Democratic Party this term.

The expected intraparty feud centers around Democratic Gov. John Carney, who has long opposed marijuana legalization and has stymied efforts by Democrats in the Legislature to end cannabis prohibition.

Last year, Carney vetoed a bill that would have legalized recreational cannabis in the state.

Despite having a majority in each chamber of the state General Assembly, Democratic lawmakers were unable to override Carney’s veto.

“[The legalization bill] would, among other things, eliminate all penalties for the possession of an ounce or less of marijuana by a person 21 years of age or older and ensure that there are no criminal or civil penalties for the gratuitous transfer of an ounce or less of marijuana between persons who are Age 21 or older,” Carney said in a statement following his veto.

“I recognize the positive effects that marijuana can have for people with certain health conditions and for that reason I continue to support the medical marijuana industry in Delaware,” he continued. “I supported marijuana decriminalization because I agree that people shouldn’t be jailed just for possessing and using a small amount of marijuana for personal use — and today, thanks to Delaware’s decriminalization law, they aren’t.”

“However, I do not believe that promoting or expanding recreational marijuana use is in the best interest of the state of Delaware, particularly our young people,” Carney added. “Questions about the long-term health and economic effects of recreational marijuana use, as well as serious law enforcement concerns, remain unresolved.”

Democrats who support the two bills introduced in the state house last week are hoping Carney will eventually prevail.

“My hope is that continued open dialogue with the governor’s office will help mitigate a veto,” Democratic House Representative Ed Osienski, one of the bill’s backers, told the Delaware News Journal. “I have more support from my members… for a veto, but I hope it doesn’t come to that.”

According to the outlet, a “Carney spokeswoman said Friday that the governor’s views on marijuana have not changed.”

According to the Delaware News Journal, the bill to eliminate all penalties for possession “would require a simple majority, or 21 votes.”

The other bill “would create a framework to regulate the growth, sale and possession of weed,” treating weed essentially like alcohol, and would “require a three-fifths vote because it’s about revenue and taxes.” reports the Delaware News Journal.

The measures also include social justice provisions aimed at increasing opportunities in the emerging marijuana industry for individuals from communities that have historically been targeted by anti-drug policies.

The News Journal has more details on the two proposals:

“Delaware residents would buy marijuana at a licensed marijuana retail store. The bill would allow up to 30 retail licenses to be distributed within 16 months of the law’s entry into force. The process will be competitive, rewarding potential retailers for offering good salaries and benefits and hiring a diverse workforce.”