Delaware could be on its way to becoming another state to legalize marijuana recreation-ally. A bill was just released on Wednesday by the House committee and will now be headed to the full House to be considered.
The bill will allow adults over the age of 21 to legally possess less than an ounce of marijuana for personal uses. It will not however allow people to grow their own marijuana and marijuana sales would be prohibited in places that have a license to sell alcohol.
The legislation had an overwhelming 10-2 vote in the House Revenue and Finance Committee.
The bill allows licenses for up to 40 retail stores and 75 cultivation facilities where a commission would regulate, license, and tax the marijuana industry in the state.
According to James Spadola who runs the Delaware Law Enforcement for Progress, “Make no bones about it — people die because marijuana is still traded on the black market.”
Not everyone is for the bill. Rep. Lyndon Yearick, R-Dover has concerns that there would be an epidemic of drug use and has said, “Once we cross this threshold, there’s no turning back.”
Camden Police Chief William Bryson, chairman of the police chiefs council believes crime would increase like it did in Colorado and said, “We’re going to have the same issue here,” he said. “Delaware law enforcement doesn’t need any extra work. That’s what this bill is going to bring to us.”
Delaware’s Democratic Gov. John Carney has said he is not supporting legalization right now.
