Delaware Gov. Jack Markell has signed legislation decriminalizing possession of small amounts of marijuana.
Markell signed the bill Thursday shortly after it passed the Democrat-controlled Senate on a straight party line vote.
The measure will allow individuals in Delware to possess up to an ounce of marijuana, and use it privately without facing criminal sanctions, though police could still confiscate the drug, according to Delaware Online, The News Journal.
The statute also will reduce the penalty for using marijuana in a public place to a $100 civil fine. Under previous Delaware law, simple marijuana possession was a misdemeanor punishable by up to six months in jail and a maximum fine of $1,150.
The law takes effect in six months. Markell, a Democrat, signed the measure almost immediately after the state Senate, voting along party lines, gave it final legislative approval on Thursday.After the signing, Markell's spokeswoman Kelly Bachman said in a statement: "The governor remains committed to reducing the number of people entering the criminal justice system and refocusing resources where they are needed most and House Bill 39 supports these efforts."
Sen. Colin Bonini, a Dover Republican said, "This is a vote we're going to really, really regret. Would you want your kid smoking weed? I think the answer is overwhelmingly no."
Robert Capecchi, a lobbyist with the Marijuana Policy Project in Washington, said in a statement after Thursday's vote, "Marijuana is an objectively less harmful substance than alcohol, and most Americans now agree it should be treated that way. Delaware has taken an important step toward adopting a more sensible marijuana policy."
According to the Journal, the Democratic-backed bill cleared the state Legislature without a single Republican vote in either the House or Senate.Smoking pot in a moving vehicle, in public areas or within 10 feet of public property would be a misdemeanor.
Washington D.C. and 19 other states have already decriminalized possessing small amounts of marijuana, while Colorado, Washington, Oregon, and Alaska voters have legalized recreational use.
Washington D.C. and 19 other states have already decriminalized possessing small amounts of marijuana, while Colorado, Washington, Oregon, and Alaska voters have legalized recreational use.
