Marijuana Decriminalization Bill Approved in Delaware House

On Tuesday, the lawmakers in Delaware House approved a bill for marijuana decriminalization, which would treat marijuana possession and adult use. The bill has passed with 24- to 14 vote without Republican support.

As per the bill, which will now be sent to the Senate, it’s a punishable offense with a penalty of $100 if an adult possesses an ounce or lesser than that of cannabis; earlier this was liable for criminal penalty. Smoking cannabis in a moving vehicle or public place would be a punishable conduct with a fine of $200 being imposed and up to 5 days imprisonment.

Few adversaries stated that legalization would encourage drug dealers in the black market, while few others said it could stop the cops from initiating vital searches with the doubt of simple cannabis possession.

Under an amendment that was added, Delawareans who are less than 18 years of age would still experience criminal penalties for marijuana possession, while those between 18 and 21 years of age would go through criminal penalties only up on their subsequent or second arrest.

Consuming cannabis in a moving vehicle or public place would be a punishable offence, which would be imposed with a penalty of up to $200 and up to 5 days of imprisonment.

The amendment in the law caused anguish amongst the supporters and opponents of the bill, who asked the reason for treating juveniles and adults differently when seized with weed.

During the House floor testimony, the legal services chief of Delaware Public Defender’s office, Lisa Minutola said, “I do have concerns that what we are doing is taking our most vulnerable population … and treating them the most harshly.”
Selling cannabis is still a criminal offence.

The prime sponsor of the bill and a Wilmington Democrat, Rep. Helene Keeley said, “You will not see people walking down the street smoking marijuana. You will not see people in a mall. You will not see people in a park.”
The amendments, supposed to counter law enforcement opposition, didn’t mollify Republicans. Criminal fines for possession of cannabis can be useful for young people, said Rep. Rich Collins, R-Millsboro.

The supporters of this bill think that it will help cannabis smokers who abide by the law from ending up with records in criminal files.