Delaware Governor Dodges Question About Vetoing Marijuana Legalization Bills!
The legislature delivered two legislation to the governor’s desk this week that would legalize marijuana and create a controlled adult-use market, but the Democratic governor of Delaware has yet to indicate whether he intends to sign or veto them.
Advocates are keenly watching to see if Governor John Carney (D) will use his veto power to block cannabis legalization once more, as he did the previous year.
When asked on Wednesday if he could provide any thoughts on the reform measures that the Senate enacted on Tuesday, Carney responded, “No, I’d rather focus on my administration’s work to improve traffic safety.”
The governor told NBC Philly, “Clearly, I’m mostly worried about unintended repercussions of legalizing, particularly traffic safety.”
The governor continues to have serious concerns about the unintended consequences of legalizing marijuana for recreational use in our state, particularly about the impacts on our young people and traffic safety, according to a spokesperson for Carney who made similar remarks to Marijuana Moment on Tuesday.
The communications director stated that he is aware that some people have sincere disagreements on this matter. Nevertheless, regarding the governor’s decision on HB 1 and HB 2 if they come to his desk, we have nothing new to report today.
The simple legalization bill and the sales regulatory proposal passed both chambers this time around with more than enough support to overturn any prospective veto, but the House lacked the numbers to override Carney last year.
The legislation’s sponsor, Rep. Ed Osienski (D), used a comparable, divided strategy for the reform during the previous legislative session, and saw the fundamental legalization plan prevail while the regulation measure narrowly failed.
The congressman recently stated that he is confident and feels quite good that they have the numbers for an override if the governor chooses to veto the legislation once more.
He continued, “I believe my colleagues are saying, OK, you know, you had one chance to veto this, you did, and you were successful. But don’t bank on us backing that veto again.
The HB 1 legalization Bill Would Achieve The Following:
A change to state law would make it lawful for adults 21 and older to possess, use, share, and buy up to an ounce of cannabis.
The measure specifies that adult sharing does not include giving away cannabis concurrently with another reciprocal transaction between the same people, such as an exchange of a non-marijuana item, in order to prevent misuse of the gifting provision.
Cannabis cultivation and public consumption would still be illegal.
A civil fine of up to $100 could be imposed on anyone under 21 who participates in such behavior for a first violation. But, police might exercise discretion and issue a citation instead of that fine.
This Is a Summary of The Important Clauses In The Regulation Law Hb 2:
The measure would offer a fundamental basis for establishing a regulated cannabis commerce system for adults in the state.
Under the establishment of a new Office of Marijuana Control Commissioner, the Division of Alcohol and Tobacco Enforcement (DATE) would be in charge of overseeing market regulation.
Up to 30 retail cannabis licenses could be granted by regulators within the first 16 months of operation.
The license scoring procedure would give priority consideration to applicants who could demonstrate that they would offer a livable wage, health insurance coverage, sick and paid leave, and a focus on diversity in employment.
A Justice Reinvestment Fund that supports restorative justice, workforce development, technical help for those who are economically disadvantaged, and other initiatives would receive 7% of marijuana business license fees.
The money from that fund would also be used to create or develop technology that would help with the restitution of civil rights and the sealing of criminal histories. But, automatic expungements are not included in the law itself.
The bill would also provide for social equity and microbusiness licenses in addition to traditional retail, grower, manufacturing, and laboratory licenses (reserved for applicants with majority ownership by Delaware residents).
Under an ordinance, localities would be able to forbid marijuana enterprises from operating there.
A 15% sales tax would be applied to marijuana sales for adult use. Products made from medical cannabis wouldn’t be taxed.
More than 1,000 marijuana, psychedelics, and drug policy bills are being tracked by Marijuana Moment in state legislatures and Congress this year. Patreon supporters who pledge at least $25 per month have access to our interactive maps, charts, and hearing calendar so they won’t miss any developments. Learn more about our marijuana bill tracker and join Patreon to get access.
The Senate approved a resolution urging the state’s congressional representatives to support bills to eliminate the federal cannabis prohibition shortly after the House passed the most recent versions of the legalization proposals last week.
Meanwhile, in October, Carney vetoed a more specific bill that would have made it clear that people who use medical marijuana are not forbidden by state law from purchasing, carrying, or transferring weapons.
According to a poll conducted that month, a clear majority of Delaware voters favor legalizing marijuana, including nearly three in four Democrats who support the measure that the state’s Democratic governor vetoed last year.