According to Randall Chase of Insurance Journal, Delaware has officially legalized recreational use of marijuana for those 21 and older, and the two bills became law yesterday. However, these bills are moving forward without the signature of Delaware Governor John Carney.
As previously reported, Governor Carney staunchly opposed and vetoed bills in 2022, and issued a statement late last month stating, “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,” and, “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.”
He continued with, “I remain concerned about the consequences of a recreational marijuana industry in our state. I’m concerned especially about the potential effects on Delaware’s children, on the safety of our roadways, and on our poorest neighborhoods, where I believe a legal marijuana industry will have a disproportionately negative impact. Those concerns are why I could not put my signature to either House Bill 1 or House Bill 2.”
Chase broke down the two bills:
“The legalization bill allows people 21 and older to possess up to 1 ounce (28 grams) 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 separate industry-creation bill calls for state officials to issue up to 30 initial retail marijuana licenses, 30 manufacturing licenses, 60 cultivation licenses and five testing licenses.”
Delaware has officially become the 22nd state to legalize recreational marijuana.
We’re curious; do you think claims will be affected in our licensed state of Delaware now that recreational marijuana has been legalized?