Delaware Poised To Be The Next State To Legalize Marijuana After House Vote

The Delaware House of Representatives passed a marijuana legalization bill on Tuesday in a 28 to 13 vote, reported Marijuana Moment.

House Bill 1 from Rep. Ed Osienski (D), which seeks to legalize the possession of cannabis for recreational use, was passed alongside complementary House Bill 2 that would set up a regulatory framework for the commercial adult-use market.

Osienski opted for a two-track approach to reform (HB 1 and HB 2) yet again after House members killed a similar initiative during last year's legislative session.

The bill allowing personal use by those 21 and older of 1 ounce or less of leaf marijuana or equivalent amounts in other forms is now heading to the Senate for review.

"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," Osienski said earlier.

Meanwhile, the complementary measures are the same as the legislation that failed last year. A simple majority in both chambers is needed for a passage.

Interestingly, in May Democratic Gov. John Carney, who opposes the idea, vetoed a legalization bill. House lawmakers then failed in June to override the veto.

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