Delaware lawmakers have approved a marijuana legalization bill in a committee vote this last week. On Wednesday, this bill moved out of the House Health and Human Development Committee in a 10-4 vote. Sponsored by Rep. Ed Osienski (D), this bill is a revised version of last years legalization efforts that got halted in the same committee.
The House Health Committee will be considering the Marijuana Control Act today at 11:00. There’s still time to register to attend virtually by visiting https://t.co/JBPvw5jIgK. pic.twitter.com/vgTEQTkQGx
— David Bentz (@DaveBentz) January 26, 2022
This bill would allow adults 21 years of age and older to purchase and possess up to one ounce of cannabis and up to 5 grams of concentrates. Growing marijuana at home as well as delivery by licensed businesses would still be prohibited.
Legalization would come with a 15% tax on the product, which would only be applied on recreational marijuana and not medical. 7% of the tax would go to a new Justice Reinvestment Fund that supports grants, services, and initiatives that focus on jail diversion. The money would also go towards workforce development and technical assistance for people in communities that are economically disadvantaged and disproportionately impacted by the drug war, according to Marijuanamoment.
This bill is moving onto the next stages before hitting the state legislature, more to come in the next few months.