The Delaware government vetoed the marijuana legalization bill, despite passing both chambers

Of Johanna Skopl

Delaware Gov. John Carney (D) vetoed a marijuana legalization bill that lawmakers passed and sent to his desk earlier this month, prompting a historic showdown with the General Assembly, DelawareOnline reported.

For years, Carney has not wavered in his position against legalizing marijuana, although he has shown sympathy for the needs of those who have benefited from medical marijuana. He said in a statement that he “does not believe that promoting or expanding the use of recreational marijuana is in the best interest of the state of Delaware, particularly our young people.”

Photo by Olena Ruban/Getty Images

RELATED: Delaware House Rejects Cannabis Legalization Bill Despite Majority Vote

Carney said he supports the use of medical marijuana and the decriminalization of marijuana. However, he cited his decision to veto it due to questions about the “long-term health and economic effects” of marijuana and “serious concerns from law enforcement.”

“Questions about the long-term health and economic effects of recreational marijuana use, as well as serious law enforcement concerns, remain unresolved,” Governor Carney said. “I respect the role of the legislature in this process and I understand that some may have a different view on this issue. However, even before I took office, I made my position clear and raised my concerns many times.”

The Legislature could still override the governor’s veto, sponsored by Rep. Ed Osienski (D), as it has already garnered more than three-fifths of the votes in both houses that would be required to overturn Carney’s decision.

Big break with his party

According to DelawareOnline, this is probably the most controversial veto of Carney’s tenure as governor and is seen as a major break with those in the state and the national Democratic Party. Carney said in a statement that he understands “that some may have a different view on this issue.”

This article originally appeared on Benzinga and has been republished with permission.

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