By Democrats in Delaware carried out what has become an annual legislative ritual last week by introducing measures to legalize recreational marijuana.
And, according to modern tradition, their biggest obstacle remains the most senior members of their own party.
of delaware news journal report State lawmakers introduced “a bill to legalize and create a recreational marijuana industry in Delaware” on Friday, likely to spark a fight within the Democratic Party this legislative session.
The expected intra-party struggle has hampered efforts by Democrats in Congress to end cannabis prohibition, led by Democratic Gov. John Carney, who has long opposed marijuana legalization.
Last year, Carney vetoed a bill to legalize recreational pots in the state.
Despite holding a majority in each house of the state legislature, Democrats were unable to override Carney’s veto.
“[The legalization bill] Among other things, it eliminates all penalties for possession of one ounce or less of marijuana by persons over the age of 21 and states that there are no criminal or civil penalties for the unremunerated transfer of one ounce or less of marijuana between individuals. We guarantee. 21 years of age or older,” Carney said in a statement following his veto.
“I recognize the positive effects marijuana has on people with certain health conditions, which is why I continue to support the medical marijuana industry in Delaware,” he continued. “We supported the decriminalization of marijuana because we agree that individuals should not be imprisoned solely for the possession and personal use of small amounts of marijuana. Thanks to , they are not.”
“That said, I don’t think it’s in Delaware’s best interests, especially young people, to promote or expand recreational marijuana use,” Carney added. “The long-term health and economic impacts of recreational marijuana, and significant law enforcement concerns, remain unresolved.”
Democrats, who backed two bills introduced in the state legislature last week, are hopeful that Carney will eventually win.
“We hope that our continued open dialogue with the governor’s office will help ease the veto,” said Democratic Rep. Ed Osienski, one of the bill’s sponsors. delaware news journal“I’m getting more support from my members…about veto overrides, but I hope that doesn’t happen.”
According to the outlet, “A Kearney spokesperson said Friday that the governor’s views on marijuana have not changed.”
by delaware news journala bill dedicated to eliminating all penalties for possession “requires a simple majority or 21 votes”.
Another bill would “create a framework for regulating the growth, sale and ownership of weed,” essentially treating cannabis like alcohol and “treating revenues and taxation, so it would have three-fifths of the vote.” ‘ is something that requires delaware news journal report.
The measure also includes social equity provisions aimed at enhancing opportunities for new marijuana industries for individuals in communities historically subject to anti-drug policies.
of news journal Here are the details of the two proposals:
“Delawareans purchase marijuana from licensed marijuana retailers. The bill would allow up to 30 retail licenses to be distributed within 16 months of the law taking effect. Strong and prospective retailers are rewarded by offering good salaries and benefits and employing a diverse workforce.”
