Legislation filed Thursday would allow adults to use cannabis recreationally in the First State, following the 2011 creation of a medical marijuana program and the 2015 passage of a bill decriminalizing possession of small amounts of cannabis. Attempts to legalize the drug in the two prior General Assembly sessions failed, though the sponsors believe this time around will be different. House Bill 150 would let individuals age 21 and older buy up to 1 ounce of marijuana from licensed retail stores. The legislation would establish a 15% tax, though retailers would otherwise be able to set their own prices. Delawareans would not be allowed to grow their own cannabis. Using marijuana in public or in a vehicle would remain against the law, and employers would still be able to make their own policies prohibiting usage. Also, municipalities could pass ordinances preventing marijuana facilities from operating within their borders.
- Every day that passes is a day of lost tax revenue. — Rick Reed
- It figures your only concern is “more” taxes! — Rob Holley
- This is not legalization. This is a monopoly. The cannabis business in Delaware is as corrupt and racist as it gets. Well-connected, political White men — and former law enforcement, no less — run both the regulation and the sales. It is an abomination to any legislator or representative that wrote or supports this bill. I would question any representative that supports this bill and question their integrity, as well. Allow home-grow or not at all. Meanwhile, we are still arresting minorities for $40 of said marijuana money. — Beth Gallagher
- The irony of someone who spent their career arresting people for pot, now the No. 1 legal dealer in the state. — Jake Phil
- I will give my full support to any and all legislators and representatives that support this bill. Time to quit fooling around and end the prohibition of marijuana. — Charlie Harper
- Wow, man. Smoke dope, man. — Mark A. Courtney
- Like, I thought you were all about freedom, man. — Chris Henry
