Why Regulate?
Why should Delaware legalize and regulate cannabis?
Marijuana prohibition has been just as ineffective, inefficient, and problematic as alcohol prohibition was in the 1920s and 1930s. It stigmatizes and punishes otherwise law-abiding Delawareans for using a substance that is safer than alcohol, unfairly targets people of color, diverts law enforcement resources from tackling real crimes, and hands over tax revenue to an underground — and sometimes dangerous — criminal market.
Most Delawareans and Americans agree: It’s time for a smarter, more humane approach. Regulating and taxing marijuana will generate tens of millions of dollars for the state and create legitimate, tax-paying jobs.
Twenty-one states and the District of Columbia have legalized cannabis. The majority of them have embraced this positive change through the ballot box. However, Delaware does not have a ballot initiative process open to voters – it’s up to the legislature to act.
That’s why we need you to get involved in the legislative process. Rep. Ed Osienski has introduced HB 1 and HB 2. HB 1 would simply legalize possession of up to one ounce of cannabis for adults 21 and older, while HB 2 would regulate and tax adult-use cannabis sales. Let your lawmakers know you want them to support these sensible measures. And call (302) 744-4101 to ask Gov. Carney not to stand in the way of legalization.
