Citing a loss in tax revenue, the long-time sponsor of marijuana legalizaiton legislation has reintrouced two bills.
Rep.Ed Osienski’s House Bills 1 and 2 comprise the Delaware Marijuana Control Act, with HB 1 legalizing possession of small amounts of marijuana for personal use, and HB 2 regulating the legal industry of growing and selling weed.
“Delaware has been missing an opportunity to participate in the adult recreational marijuana market. We’ve missed out on hurting the illegal market, creating a new industry with good-paying jobs, and bringing tax revenue into our state that is currently going to nearby states like New Jersey,” said Osienski, D-Brookside. “We have spent the past several years educating members about the merits of this program and dispelling the misconceptions that have persisted. I’m optimistic that we have the support to make this effort a reality.”
The bill has faced powerful opponents that include the medical community, some in law enforcement and AAA Mid-Atlantic. At the same time, public opinion polls have shown a majority of Delawareans support legalizations. Delaware, unlike nearby states that have legalized marijuana, does not have a referendum option that would allow legalization to beome law.
HB 1 would remove all penalties for possession of a personal use quantity of marijuana, except for those who are under 21 years of age. Possession of more than a personal use quantity of marijuana and public…
