US: Delaware becomes 22nd state to legalize adult use of cannabis

Delaware is the 22nd US state to legalize cannabis for adult/recreational use, following a decades-long struggle by activists and Democrats to ease cannabis restrictions in the region. Despite opposing legalization, Delaware Governor John Carney has allowed bills creating a recreational cannabis industry to become law, but without his signature.

Last March, the Delaware General Assembly passed two bills, the House Bill 1, which legalizes the “quantity for personal use” of cannabis for citizens over 21 years old, varying according to the type of final product. For flowers, the limit is 28 grams, for concentrates the limit is 12 grams, and edibles and drinks cannot have more than 750 milligrams of THC. The law does not provide for the possibility of self-cultivation and consumption will have to be done in private, since it will not be allowed to consume on public roads. O House Bill 2 creates and regulates the recreational cannabis industry in Delaware, with a period of 16 months, after the entry into force of the law, until the 30 licenses intended for retail sales of cannabis products for adult use begin to be distributed through tenders. recreational.

However, Governor Carney does not intend to sign the bills into law, due to his concern about the consequences that recreational cannabis use could have on children's health, as well as road safety. Along with Delaware House Speaker Pete Schwartzkopf, the governor is one of the few Democrats opposing the legalization of cannabis.

A recreational cannabis industry in Delaware could generate tens of millions in tax revenue, just as it has in neighboring states. There will be a 15% tax levied on adult/recreational cannabis sales, with that money going to create subsidies and services that focus on restorative justice and reducing the state's prison population.

Cannabis advocates, including Delaware NORML Executive Director Laura Sharer, applauded the "progressive and equitable approach to cannabis policy" by Delaware lawmakers. Sharer believes that the legalization of cannabis is a significant step towards creating a fair system that respects individual liberty, promotes public health and safety, generates economic growth and addresses issues of social justice.

Time to “Move on”

Despite his opposition to the legalization of cannabis, Governor Carney has decided to let the bills become law without his signature, because he believes that Delawares face more serious and pressing concerns every day and that it is time to move on. front. However, he also said he would ensure Delaware has a "robust regulatory system that protects the interests of the most vulnerable Delawareans, to avoid the many challenges we've seen in other states, and to focus on issues that are most important to families of Delaware." Delaware”.

The decision to legalize recreational cannabis is a significant milestone in the state's history and could bring significant economic benefits. However, it remains to be seen how the regulatory system will be implemented and whether it will succeed in protecting the interests of the most vulnerable Delawares.