March 24 saw a historic vote happen in the state of Delaware! The House Committee of Health & Human Development heard a lot of positions on a cannabis-legalization bill, House Bill 150. This bill does more than legalize cannabis in Delaware. It provides a requirement for micro-licensing to small businesses. Being a small-business owner myself, I am very encouraged that the state provided these regulations in HB 150. I am hoping that these regulations will not be amended.
During the lengthy meeting, we heard many advocates speak about why passing HB 150 is a very important step for Delaware. Not only would it bring more access for medicine, but it would provide for expungements of certain cannabis offenses. The social-justice aspect of HB 150 is long overdue to resolve the harms done by prohibition of a safe, nontoxic plant.
As a member of two all-volunteer cannabis-advocacy groups, the Delaware chapter of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML) and the Delaware Cannabis Advocacy Network, I have seen firsthand the fight that numerous organizations wage against recreational-cannabis bills. I was absolutely appalled to hear several compassion centers speak against the bill! Columbia Care and Fresh Cannabis are two current medical dispensaries that I and other patients use. Both these companies expressed concern that they were not being given first priority at recreational licensing. How is this helping the patients that they are meant to serve? Limiting where patients can get medicine is a very monopolizing move and does not encourage me to give them my business.
This bill is very detailed and clearly states a multitude of regulations for the safety of consumers, such as childproof packaging. I am embarrassed that my elected official, Rep. Rich Collins, R-Millsboro, said he did not even read the bill! I myself have given him several pieces of literature on the economic expansion that legalization will bring to Delaware. I am hopeful that several legislators will listen to their constituents — and the over 61% of Delawareans supporting legislation — and vote yes for HB 150!
Lizzie Golob
Co-owner, Lit by the Sea
Secretary, Delaware chapter,
National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML)
Volunteer recruiter, Delaware Cannabis Advocacy Network
Millsboro
