Delaware House lawmakers on Tuesday approved a bill to legalize adult use of marijuana in the state — but the governor’s veto pen still looms large over the effort.
The bill passed the chamber by a 28-13 bipartisan vote, according to Delaware News Journalwho noted that the measure received two votes from Democratic lawmakers who had not previously supported the legalization of cannabis.
According to the newspaper, the only Democrat who voted against him was the party leader in the chamber, House Speaker Pete Schwartzkopf.
Schwartzkopf isn’t the only senior Delaware Democrat to break with his party in opposing cannabis legalization — a policy that is supported by large majorities of Democratic voters across the country, and that has become a de facto mainstream position among Democrats in Washington and state houses across the United States. nation.
Delaware’s Democratic governor, John Carney, has been firm in his opposition to legalizing marijuana.
Last year, after a similar bill was passed by both houses of the Delaware General Assembly, Carney vetoed the measure, and lawmakers were Unable to obtain enough votes to override the veto.
“[The legalization bill] It would, among other things, remove all penalties for possession of one or less ounces of marijuana by someone 21 or older and ensure there are no criminal or civil penalties for unpaid transportation of one or less ounces of marijuana between persons, Carney said in his statement. vetoed at the time “those 21 years of age or older”.
“I recognize the positive impact marijuana can have on people with certain health conditions, and for that reason, I continue to support Delaware’s medical marijuana industry,” the governor continued. “I advocated decriminalizing marijuana because I agree that individuals should not be jailed for simply possessing and using a small amount of marijuana — and today, thanks to Delaware’s decriminalization law, they are not.”
“However, I do not believe that promoting or expanding recreational marijuana use is in the best interests of the state of Delaware, especially its youth,” Carney added. “Questions about the long-term health and economic effects of recreational marijuana use, as well as serious concerns for law enforcement, remain unresolved.”
Unwilling, O Democrats, who still hold a majority in the General Assembly, They renewed their rationing campaign in January.
“I hope continued open dialogue with the governor’s office will help mitigate vetoes,” House Rep. Ed Osinsky, a Democrat sponsoring the new bill, said earlier this year. “I have more support from my members…to override my veto, but I hope it doesn’t happen.”
The early signs aren’t great, as a spokesperson for the governor said earlier this year that his stance on marijuana hasn’t changed.
But still, the Democrats continue to work. according to Delaware News JournalAnd “The bill is now making its way to the Senate, where it is expected to pass, and the looming question is whether Democrats have the political support this time around to override another potential Carney veto.”
The paper has more details Regarding the latest ratification proposals in the General Assembly:
House Bill 1 would remove all penalties for possession of one ounce or less of marijuana for those 21 or older. This legislation required a simple 21-vote majority. As of now, marijuana has been decriminalized in Delaware. The second bill, HB 2, would create a framework to regulate the growth, sale and possession of weed. Lawmakers say marijuana will be regulated and taxed in the same way alcohol is. This legislation requires a three-fifths vote because it deals with revenue and taxes. A vote on this is expected soon.”
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