Delaware Is At It Again: Renewed Effort To Legalize Recreational Weed Clears Dem-Led House

A bill authorizing the creation of a state-licensed recreational marijuana industry in Delaware cleared a Democrat-led House committee on Tuesday, reported AP.

The measure is part of a renewed effort by Democratic lawmakers to allow adults over 21 to consume recreational cannabis and to create a functioning industry. Delaware is, after all, right smack in the middle of several legal-cannabis states and could use the income inevitably created by cannabis taxation.  

Legislation to legalize possession of up to one ounce of marijuana will be heard by a separate House committee on Wednesday.

Not The First Rodeo

Democrats have tried for several years to legalize marijuana in Delaware but have not managed to garner enough support in the legislature, even though Democrats control both chambers. In fact, in May Democratic Gov. John Carney, who opposes the idea, vetoed a legalization bill. House lawmakers then failed in June to override the veto. It's been a touchy back-and-forth among the Dems.

While Gov. Carney has not wavered in his position against marijuana legalization, he has shown sympathy for the needs of those who benefit from medical marijuana.

The bills introduced last week are essentially the same as legislation that failed last year, but sponsors are hoping the election of several progressive Democrats in the November midterms might improve chances for their passage. They need a simple majority in both chambers for passage.

However, the industry-creation bill needs a three-fifths supermajority because it creates a new tax in the form of a 15% levy on retail sales.

Supporters argue that a state-regulated industry would reduce illegal black market sales, create jobs and generate more tax revenue for the state.