JUST IN: Delaware Gov. John Carney said Friday that he will allow bills legalizing recreational marijuana use by adults in the state and authorizing the establishment of a state-licensed and regulated cannabis industry to become law without his signature.
"I want to be clear that my views on this issue have not changed. And I understand there are those who share my views who will be disappointed in my decision not to veto this legislation," Carney said in a prepared statement Friday. "I came to this decision because I believe we've spent far too much time focused on this issue, when Delawareans face more serious and pressing concerns every day. It's time to move on.
The legalization bill allows people 21 and older to possess up to 1 ounce of leaf marijuana, 12 grams of concentrated marijuana, or marijuana products containing up to 750 milligrams of the psychoactive compound THC. Possession of more than an ounce of marijuana and public consumption would remain misdemeanors. The bill also prohibits people from growing their own marijuana for personal consumption.
The Democrat-controlled Senate voted 16-4 last month for the legalization bill after it cleared the Democrat-led House on a 28-13 vote. The industry bill was approved by votes of 27-13 in the House and 15-5 in the Senate. The industry bill required a three-fifths supermajority because it creates a new tax in the form of a 15% levy on retail sales.
Delaware Democrats have tried for years to legalize recreational marijuana use for adults. The marijuana bills are essentially the same as legislation considered last year, but the election of several progressive Democrats in November helped increase support for the legalization bill and gain the required supermajority for the industry bill. It also likely would have improved chances for overriding any vetoes by Carney.
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Delaware Governor John Carney drops opposition to marijuana legalizationThe legalization bill allows people 21 and older to possess up to an ounce of marijuana. Possession of more than an ounce and public consumption would remain misdemeanors.
Read more »
Delaware governor drops opposition to marijuana legalizationDelaware Gov. John Carney says he will not veto legislation legalizing recreational marijuana use by adults in the state and authorizing the establishment of a state-licensed and regulated cannabis industry
Read more »
Delaware governor drops opposition to marijuana legalizationDelaware Gov. John Carney says he will not veto legislation legalizing recreational marijuana use by adults in the state and authorizing the establishment of a state-licensed and regulated cannabis industry. The Democratic governor’s announcement Friday marks a turnaround from last year, when he vetoed a legalization bill championed by fellow Democrats. Carney’s office said just last month that he continued to have strong concerns about the unintended consequences of legalizing marijuana. The legalization bill allows people 21 and older to possess up to an ounce of marijuana. Possession of more than an ounce and public consumption would remain misdemeanors. People will not be allowed to grow their own marijuana for personal consumption.
Read more »
Avelo Airlines announces 9 new, nonstop flight destinations from Wilmington Airport in DelawareFares start as low as $29 according to airline officials.
Read more »