The crippled governor, who has been a staunch opponent during his more than six years in office, vetoed the bill last year when it reached his desk. Lawmakers failed to override the governor, and many disheartened advocates thought it was dead, but last month legalization and regulation laws were passed with what many lawmakers thought was supporters a majority without a veto.
The main sponsor, Rep. Ed Osienski, said Friday he was relieved that Delaware would now become the 22nd state, including neighbors New Jersey and Maryland, to legalize marijuana. Pennsylvania has not approved legalization.
“After five years of countless meetings, debates, negotiations, and conversations, I am grateful that we have reached the point where Delaware joins the growing number of states that have legalized and regulated marijuana. adult recreational marijuana for personal use,” Osienski said. a news release. “We know that more than 60% of Delawareans support legalizing marijuana for adult recreational use, and more than two-thirds of the General Assembly agree.
Osienski said he understands fellow Democrat Carney’s “personal opposition to legalization, so I appreciate him especially listening to the thousands of residents who supported this effort and allowed it to become law. Committed I will work with the administration to ensure that the effort to establish the regulatory process goes as smoothly as possible.
Uncertainty has reigned for weeks over the fate of the bills, and Carney reiterated his opposition Tuesday night at a town hall in New Castle about the fiscal 2024 budget when a woman asked when- a Delaware will join neighbors New Jersey and Maryland and become the 22nd state. to make weed legal.
Acknowledging that many in the audience support legalization, however, Carney doubled down.
“You know, I’m sure, that I don’t support and that the last time I vetoed it because I don’t think it’s good generally, for young people, and I don’t think it’s good for in our competition.”
But as the clock struck midnight Saturday, Carney didn’t tip his hand and added that he appreciated the view of legalization advocates, “I believe I’m right, but I’m not suggesting that I’m only the opinion about it. ,” he said.
His statement Friday also reiterated his concerns “about the consequences of a recreational marijuana industry in our state. I am especially concerned about the potential effects on the children of Delaware, on the safety of our roads. , and in our poorest neighborhoods, where I believe a legal marijuana industry would have a negative impact. Those concerns are why I can’t put my signature” on any bill.