State of Delaware Archives: on Drugs
Chris Coons:
Bath salts & synthetic marijuana terrorize our communities
Senator Chris Coons praised the Senate's passage of legislation late last month that would make the sale of chemical compounds found in bath salts and synthetic marijuana illegal in the United States, urging members of the House-Senate conference
committee to preserve the measure during its negotiations this month. "Dangerous drugs like bath salts are terrorizing our communities and destroying lives," Senator Coons said. "Stricter measures must be taken to stem the growing prevalence of bath
salts and other new designer drugs."In addition to outlawing bath salts, the measure would also take the chemicals the DEA has identified within synthetic marijuana products and place them as Schedule I narcotics with other deadly drugs like heroin
and LSD. It would close loopholes that have made the spread of synthetic marijuana almost impossible to stop because manufacturers tweak the chemical compounds to create products that are not technically covered under existing bans.
Source: Press release on 2014 Delaware Senate race: Coons.Senate.gov
Jun 2, 2012
Chuck Boyce:
Expand treatment for those struggling with addiction
We need leaders in DC who will push public health emergency funding to the top of their agenda in order to get rid of prescribed painkillers, heroin, and synthetic drugs often sold on our streets.If elected, I will advocate for immediate funding to
the public health emergency fund that Congress hasn't replenished for years. It is unacceptable to me that more than 50,000 Americans died from drug overdoses last year.
I will only support legislation that helps expand access to treatment for those struggling with addiction. I will not give into the notion of simply prescribing opioids to alleviate pain.
This mindset has strengthened Big Pharma while taking more American lives, and this pattern of treatment has proven ineffective.
Source: 2018 Delaware Senatorial campaign website ChuckForSenate.com
Feb 22, 2018
Colin Bonini:
Decriminalizing marijuana sends young people wrong message
Gov. Jack Markell signed legislation decriminalizing possession of small amounts of marijuana in Delaware. Markell signed the bill privately shortly after it passed the Democrat-controlled Senate on a straight party-line vote. "The governor remains
committed to reducing the number of people entering the criminal justice system and refocusing resources where they are needed most," a Markell spokeswoman said.Opponents expressed concerns that the legislation sends the wrong message to children,
`and that it will lead to greater acceptance and use of illegal drugs while hampering the abilities of police to conduct searches and seizures. "This is a bill we're going to regret," said Sen. Colin Bonini, R-Dover. "The message we're sending young
people is one we simply should not send."
The legislation makes possession by an adult of a "personal use" quantity of marijuana, defined as an ounce or less, a civil offense punishable by a fine of $100, rather than a crime.
Source: Washington Post on 2016 Delaware gubernatorial race
Jun 18, 2015
Colin Bonini:
Keep marijuana criminal offenses if under age 21
DE SB45, An Act To Amend Title 16 Of The Delaware Code Relating To Marijuana. Bill Summary: Under current law, the possession, use, or consumption of a personal use quantity of marijuana remains a crime for those under the age of 21
despite being a civil violation for adults. This Act makes the possession, use, or consumption of a personal use quantity of marijuana a civil violation for juveniles.
Commentary by MPP.org [pro-legalization]: On [a related bill, on]
June 30, 2019, Gov. Carney signed SB 37 into law. This bill allows for a single cannabis misdemeanor conviction to be expunged after five years and a single cannabis felony conviction to be expunged after seven years.
Bill Summary:
Passed Senate 13-6-2 on 6/20/2019; Sen. Colin Bonini voted NO; Passed House 34-7-0 on 6/30/2019; Signed by Governor John Carney on 07/31/2019.
Source: BillTrack50 on Delaware legislative voting records: DE SB45
Jun 20, 2019
Gene Truono:
Federal marijuana regulations should reflect the state's
Truono stated that he supports ending federal prohibition and allowing states to decide the laws with marijuana regulations. "The issue that we need to implement is to remove marijuana as a Schedule 1 substance for
those states that have changed the law to legalize even recreational marijuana, and the reason why that is, is because states' rights are supreme to the federal government... but I do not have a problem with recreational or medical marijuana," he said.
Source: The Review (U. Del.) on 2018 Delaware Senate race
Apr 3, 2018
Jack Markell:
Addiction is a disease; fill gaps in drug treatment system
Much crime is committed by people with substance abuse problems. 71% of men arrested tested positive for an illegal substance. Too often, our solution is to simply throw the drug user in prison, but many of these individuals need treatment more than a
prison guard.For many addicts, it's possible to deal with their disease successfully and go on to live happy, productive lives. There are stories like a teenage girl who lapsed into drug and alcohol use following her father's suicide and landed in
jail, but with assistance of a Drug Court program overcame her addiction and got a college education.
We all know people with addictions who, with the right intervention, could live fulfilling lives. It's time for us to put into practice what we
already know: addiction is a disease. It can and must be treated. Later this year, I will propose changes that better align our resources to fill the gaps in our drug treatment system and I look forward to working with you to fill these gaps.
Source: 2014 State of the State Address to Delaware legislature
Jan 23, 2014
Jack Markell:
Decriminalize possession of small amounts of marijuana
Gov. Jack Markell signed legislation decriminalizing possession of small amounts of marijuana in Delaware. Markell signed the bill privately shortly after it passed the Democrat-controlled Senate on a straight party-line vote. "The governor remains
committed to reducing the number of people entering the criminal justice system and refocusing resources where they are needed most," a Markell spokeswoman said.Opponents expressed concerns that the legislation sends the wrong message to children,
`and that it will lead to greater acceptance and use of illegal drugs while hampering the abilities of police to conduct searches and seizures. "This is a bill we're going to regret," said Sen. Colin Bonini, R-Dover. "The message we're sending young
people is one we simply should not send."
The legislation makes possession by an adult of a "personal use" quantity of marijuana, defined as an ounce or less, a civil offense punishable by a fine of $100, rather than a crime.
Source: Washington Post on 2016 Delaware gubernatorial race
Jun 18, 2015
James DeMartino:
Heroin not just mental health issue, but a criminal issue
The crime rate has increased and decriminalizing marijuana only masks the problem.
The heroin epidemic is out of control and it is not just a mental health issue but a criminal issue too and they both must be resolved.
Source: Wilmington News Journal on 2020 Delaware Senate race
Aug 20, 2018
John Carney:
Impose new protections for the safe prescribing of opioids
The opioid crisis plagues our state and country. When last measured, Delaware had the nation's fifth highest overall rate of opioid sales. And in too many cases opioid abuse contributes to our state's tragic heroin problem. Effective April 1st, we
will impose new protections for the safe prescribing of opioids. These new regulations will be some of the most far-reaching in the nation. We have introduced new legislation to allow expanded use of the state's prescription database to better target
doctors who overprescribe.Prevention is key. But, we also need an all hands on deck approach to save the lives of those battling opioid and heroin addiction. I will continue the work to increase the availability of residential treatment, recovery
homes, and expanded services for outpatient treatment slots. Delaware's Prescription Drug Action Committee has developed a set of recommendations from stakeholders across the spectrum.
Source: 2017 Delaware State of the State address
Mar 30, 2017
John Carney:
Decriminalize under-age marijuana possession
DE SB45, An Act To Amend Title 16 Of The Delaware Code Relating To Marijuana. Bill Summary: Under current law, the possession, use, or consumption of a personal use quantity of marijuana remains a crime for those under the age of 21
despite being a civil violation for adults. This Act makes the possession, use, or consumption of a personal use quantity of marijuana a civil violation for juveniles.
Commentary by MPP.org [pro-legalization]: On [a related bill, on]
June 30, 2019, Gov. Carney signed SB 37 into law. This bill allows for a single cannabis misdemeanor conviction to be expunged after five years and a single cannabis felony conviction to be expunged after seven years.
:
Legislative Outcome: Passed Senate 13-6-2 on 6/20/2019; Passed House 34-7-0 on 6/30/2019; Signed by Governor John Carney on 07/31/2019.
Source: BillTrack50 on Delaware legislative voting records: DE SB45
Jul 31, 2019
Julianne Murray:
Declare opioid crisis public health emergency
Julianne Murray believes in a multifaceted plan for addressing the opioid crisis, including
changing prescribing patterns, cracking down on the spread of opioids, and launching community health initiatives.
Source: 2020 DE gubernatorial campaign website MurrayForDelaware.com
Oct 9, 2020
Lauren Witzke:
Admits having run drugs for Mexican cartels
Witzke said she became addicted to painkillers and, eventually, heroin. "I ended up in a situation that I never thought I'd find myself in: I was running drugs, actually, for the Mexican cartels," she told WDEL radio in May. "These people
came here 100 percent legally, chain migration brought people here who will sell drugs to Americans and not think twice if it will kill them. They will sell these drugs to American children; they will sell them to your families, and they don't care."
Source: Slate.com on 2020 Delaware Senate race
Sep 16, 2020
Lauren Witzke:
Federal funding for faith-based solutions for drug recovery
Opioid Crisis- As a member of the recovery community, I am an expert at recovery solutions. I will propose bills that provide federal funding for faith-based solutions for recovery. Faith-based solutions have merit,
there is validity in the results they produce. High level organizers of drug rings will be punished to the full extent of the law, this will work in tandem with immigration enforcement.
Source: Ballotpedia Candidate survey 2020 Delaware Senate race
Sep 30, 2020
Rob Arlett:
Tougher enforcement via Opioid Crisis Response Act
As a compassionate conservative, Rob supports the Opioid Crisis Response Act of 2018 which includes tougher drug enforcement efforts at our borders, as well as increased access to mental health
and drug treatment for all those in need of help and care. Rob will not standby when thousands of American's lives are ended too early by the dangerous drugs on our streets.
Source: 2018 Delaware Senate Campaign website RobArlett.com
Sep 1, 2018
Lisa Blunt Rochester:
Marijuana does not belong on Controlled Substances list
Rep. Blunt Rochester voted to federally decriminalize marijuana. "One of the most tragic & longest-lasting impacts of our system is the way in which our society treats marijuana offenses," she said. "From housing to education, to employment, too-often,
nonviolent drug offenses act as a seemingly immovable barrier for too many Americans. It has been clear for some time from a scientific and criminal justice perspective that marijuana does not belong on the federal Controlled Substances list."
Source: House press release "Marijuana" on 2022 Delaware Senate race
Dec 4, 2020
Matt Meyer:
Celebrate impending end to marijuana prohibition in Delaware
Meyer weighed in: "Today we can celebrate the impending end to marijuana prohibition in Delaware. Thanks to the relentless efforts of Rep. Osienski, Sen. Paradee, and activists, our state will now take the important
next steps to create a new legal market for adults 21 and older that will abate the illicit market and help address the inequities caused by the failed war on drugs."
Source: WDEL 1150 AM on 2024 Delaware Gubernatorial race
Apr 21, 2023
Bethany Hall-Long:
Led efforts to distribute opioid reversal drug Narcan
[On opioids]: "We created the first overdose system of care in this country in Delaware," Lt. Gov. Hall-Long stressed. It was through that work with the Behavioral Health Consortium that the Lt. Gov. was able to spearhead initiatives including helping
to secure millions in funding to fight the opioid epidemic, launching a first of its kind pilot program to test drugs for fentanyl and xylazine, as well as leading grass roots efforts statewide to distribute the life-saving opioid reversal drug Narcan.
Source: WMDT ABC-TV-47 on 2024 Delaware Gubernatorial race
Jul 19, 2023
Bethany Hall-Long:
Voted for both medical marijuana and decriminalization
Delaware Lt. Gov. Bethany Hall-Long said she supports the legalization of marijuana, showing a major chasm with the governor's views on recreational weed. "As a member of the Delaware General Assembly, I voted for both the medical marijuana
and decriminalization legislation," she said in a statement to Delaware Online/The News Journal. "I support the legalization of marijuana. It's important to keep it out of the hands of our children, and ensure product and workplace safety."
Source: Delaware News Journal on 2024 Delaware Gubernatorial race
Jun 23, 2023
Bethany Hall-Long:
Decriminalize having one ounce or less of marijuana
HB39: The purpose of this bill is to decriminalize the possession or private use of a personal use quantity of marijuana.WPVI ABC-6 summary: The bill would eliminate criminal penalties and potential jail time for possession of one ounce
of marijuana or less. Instead, it would be a civil offense similar to a traffic ticket.
Legislative Outcome:Passed House 24-14-3 on Jun/2/15; passed Senate 12-9-0 on Jun/18/15; Hall-Long voted YES; signed by Gov. Markell on Jun/18/15.
Source: WPVI ABC-6 on Delaware State Legislature voting records HB39
Jun 18, 2015
Colin Bonini:
Don't decriminalize even one ounce or less of marijuana
HB39: The purpose of this bill is to decriminalize the possession or private use of a personal use quantity of marijuana.WPVI ABC-6 summary: The bill would eliminate criminal penalties and potential jail time for possession of one ounce
of marijuana or less. Instead, it would be a civil offense similar to a traffic ticket.
Legislative Outcome:Passed House 24-14-3 on Jun/2/15; passed Senate 12-9-0 on Jun/18/15; Colin Bonini voted NO; signed by Gov. Markell on Jun/18/15.
Source: WPVI ABC-6 on Delaware State Legislature voting records HB39
Jun 18, 2015
Jack Markell:
Decriminalize having one ounce or less of marijuana
HB39: The purpose of this bill is to decriminalize the possession or private use of a personal use quantity of marijuana.WPVI ABC-6 summary: The bill would eliminate criminal penalties and potential jail time for possession of one ounce
of marijuana or less. Instead, it would be a civil offense similar to a traffic ticket.
Legislative Outcome:Passed House 24-14-3 on Jun/2/15; passed Senate 12-9-0 on Jun/18/15; signed by Governor Jack Markell on Jun/18/15.
Source: WPVI ABC-6 on Delaware State Legislature voting records HB39
Jun 18, 2015
Bethany Hall-Long:
Decriminalize marijuana possession for personal use
HB39: The purpose of this bill is to decriminalize the possession or private use of a personal use quantity of marijuana.Heritage Foundation in opposition: Scientific research is clear that marijuana is addictive and that its use
significantly impairs bodily and mental functions. Even where decriminalized, marijuana trafficking remains a source of violence, crime, and social disintegration.
Marijuana Policy Project in support:On December 18, 2015, HB 39 took
effect, removing the threat of arrest and jail time for adults possessing a small amount of marijuana. The law reduced the penalty for simple possession to a $100 civil fine. Previously, simple possession of marijuana was a criminal offense and could
result in up to three months in jail, a fine of up to $575, or both.
Legislative Outcome: Passed House 24-14-3 on Jun/2/15; passed Senate 12-9-0 on Jun/18/15; State Sen. Bethany Hall-Long voted YES; signed by Gov. Markell on Jun/18/15.
Source: Delaware State Legislature voting records HB39
Jun 18, 2015
Bethany Hall-Long:
Broke with governor to support marijuana legalization
While serving for seven years alongside Gov. Carney, she notably broke with the governor last year, supporting the legalization of marijuana when
Carney was still staunchly opposed. The drug was legalized this year after Carney chose not to act on the proposal.
Source: Del. Business Times on 2024 Delaware Gubernatorial race
Sep 12, 2023
Colin Bonini:
Don't decriminalize marijuana possession for personal use
HB39: The purpose of this bill is to decriminalize the possession or private use of a personal use quantity of marijuana.Heritage Foundation in opposition: Scientific research is clear that marijuana is addictive and that its use
significantly impairs bodily and mental functions. Even where decriminalized, marijuana trafficking remains a source of violence, crime, and social disintegration.
Marijuana Policy Project in support:On December 18, 2015, HB 39 took
effect, removing the threat of arrest and jail time for adults possessing a small amount of marijuana. The law reduced the penalty for simple possession to a $100 civil fine. Previously, simple possession of marijuana was a criminal offense and could
result in up to three months in jail, a fine of up to $575, or both.
Legislative Outcome: Passed House 24-14-3 on Jun/2/15; passed Senate 12-9-0 on Jun/18/15; State Sen. Colin Bonini voted NO; signed by Gov. Markell on Jun/18/15.
Source: Delaware State Legislature voting records HB39
Jun 18, 2015
Heritage Foundation:
Don't decriminalize marijuana possession for personal use
HB39: The purpose of this bill is to decriminalize the possession or private use of a personal use quantity of marijuana.Heritage Foundation in opposition: Scientific research is clear that marijuana is addictive and that its use
significantly impairs bodily & mental functions. Even where decriminalized, marijuana trafficking remains a source of violence, crime & social disintegration. Furthermore, legalized marijuana will provide nowhere near the economic windfall proclaimed
by some proponents.
Marijuana Policy Project in support:HB39 removes the threat of arrest and jail time for adults possessing a small amount of marijuana. The law reduced the penalty for simple possession to a $100 civil fine. Previously,
that was a criminal offense and could result in up to three months in jail, a fine of up to $575, or both.
Legislative Outcome: Passed House 24-14-3 on Jun/2/15; passed Senate 12-9-0 on Jun/18/15; signed by Gov. Jack Markell on Jun/18/15.
Source: Delaware State Legislature voting records HB39
Sep 13, 2010
Jack Markell:
Decriminalize marijuana possession for personal use
HB39: The purpose of this bill is to decriminalize the possession or private use of a personal use quantity of marijuana.Heritage Foundation in opposition: Scientific research is clear that marijuana is addictive and that its use
significantly impairs bodily and mental functions. Even where decriminalized, marijuana trafficking remains a source of violence, crime, and social disintegration.
Marijuana Policy Project in support:On December 18, 2015, HB 39 took
effect, removing the threat of arrest and jail time for adults possessing a small amount of marijuana. The law reduced the penalty for simple possession to a $100 civil fine. Previously, simple possession of marijuana was a criminal offense and could
result in up to three months in jail, a fine of up to $575, or both.
Legislative Outcome: Passed House 24-14-3 on Jun/2/15; passed Senate 12-9-0 on Jun/18/15; signed by Governor Jack Markell on Jun/18/15.
Source: Delaware State Legislature voting records HB39
Jun 18, 2015
Mike Ramone:
Voted for bill stripping penalties for marijuana possession
The Delaware House took a historic step toward legalizing marijuana Thursday by approving a bill that strips all penalties from possessing less than an ounce. The support of House Republicans Mike Ramone, Jeff Spiegelman and
Mike Smith surprised and pleased Zoe Patchell of the Delaware Cannabis Advocacy Network. "We just got three Republicans,'' Patchell gushed minutes after witnessing the vote from the House gallery.
Source: WHYY on 2024 Delaware Gubernatorial race
May 5, 2022
Mike Ramone:
Decriminalize under-age marijuana possession
DE SB45, An Act To Amend Title 16 Of The Delaware Code Relating To Marijuana.Bill Summary: Under current law, the possession, use, or consumption of a personal use quantity of marijuana remains a crime for those under the age of
21 despite being a civil violation for adults. This Act makes the possession, use, or consumption of a personal use quantity of marijuana a civil violation for juveniles.
Commentary by MPP.org [pro-legalization]:
On [a related bill, on] June 30, 2019, Gov. Carney signed SB 37 into law. This bill allows for a single cannabis misdemeanor conviction to be expunged after five years and a single cannabis felony conviction to be expunged after seven years.
Legislative Outcome: Passed Senate 13-6-2 on 6/20/2019; Passed House 34-7-0 on 6/30/2019; State Rep. Ramone voted Yes; Signed by Governor John Carney on 07/31/2019.
Source: BillTrack50 on Delaware legislative voting records: DE SB45
Jun 30, 2019
John Carney:
Rated C- by NORML: Vetoed cannabis decriminalization
NORML Politician Info: rated C- - Candidate: John Carney (D - DE)
- Legislation:
- Vetoed Legislation: Democrat Gov. John Carney vetoed legislation, House Bill 371, that sought to eliminate penalties
for the possession of up to one ounce of cannabis by adults.
- Enacted Legislation: Governor Carney signed several marijuana-related bills into law in 2019. Specifically, he signed Senate Bill 37, which expands the pool of those eligible to seek an
expungement of their criminal records and Senate Bill 45, which eliminates criminal penalties for low-level marijuana offenses for those under 21 years of age. He also signed into law Senate Bill 24, which expands physicians' discretion to recommend
medical cannabis therapy to patients -- including those who suffer from disorders not explicitly listed among the state's list of pre-qualifying conditions.
Source: NORML "Smoke the Vote" on 2024 Delaware Gubernatorial race
Aug 8, 2024
Lisa Blunt Rochester:
Rated A by NORML: decriminalize marijuana & seal records
NORML Politician Info: rated A - Candidate: Lisa Blunt Rochester (D - DE): Holds office U.S. House District At-Large; Candidate in race for U.S. Senate on Tuesday, September 10, 2024
- Summary:
DECRIMINALIZE/MEDICAL USE: Introduced bill to seal records of those convicted of marijuana possession in the past.
- Co-sponsored Legislation:
- H.R.1996 - SAFE Banking Act of 2021
- H.R.3884 - MORE (Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment
and Expungement) Act of 2019
- H.R.1595 - SAFE Banking Act of 2019
- H.R.2864 - Clean Slate Act of 2021 (Sponsored)
- Comments: "That's why I was proud to vote for the MORE Act, removing marijuana as a controlled substance,
creating a new tax structure for cannabis products, and continuing the hard work of reversing the decades of damaging marijuana criminalization at the federal level." 12/4/20
Source: NORML "Smoke the Vote" on 2024 Delaware Senate race
Aug 8, 2024
Mike Ramone:
Rated C- by NORML: don't legalize marijuana
NORML Politician Info: rated C- - Candidate: Mike Ramone (R - DE): Holds office State House District 21; Candidate in race for Governor on Tuesday, September 10, 2024
- Legislation:
-
Voted NO on HB 110 to legalize and regulate marijuana in Delaware in 2018.
- HB 2: Establishes State Regulations and Taxes for Recreational Cannabis: Voted NO
-
HB 1: Authorizes Recreational Cannabis Use for Adults 21 and Older: Voted YES
- HB 372: Amends the Delaware Marijuana Control Act: Voted NO
-
SB 45: Establishes Marijuana Usage by a Juvenile as a Civil Violation: Voted YES
- SB 17: Authorizes Medical Marijuana: Voted YES
Source: NORML "Smoke the Vote" on 2024 Delaware Gubernatorial race
Aug 8, 2024
Matt Meyer:
FBI has been stifling state's recreational marijuana law
The green elephant in the room is the delayed opening of Delaware's recreational marijuana market. This industry has the potential to produce tens of millions of dollars in annual tax revenue. Money that could be used to cover federal funding shortfalls
and address historic inequities created by a drug war. Instead, the FBI's insistence that Delaware's original recreational marijuana law is insufficient is just another egregious example of federal bureaucracy stifling state-led innovation.
Source: 2025 State of the State Address to the Delaware legislature
Apr 10, 2025
John Carney:
Veto decriminalizing less than an ounce of marijuana
HB371: This Act removes all penalties for possession of 1 ounce or less of marijuana. Possession of more than 1 ounce of marijuana and public consumption remain misdemeanors.NORML summary May 12, 2022: The Delaware Senate approved
legislation to remove criminal and civil penalties for adult possession of marijuana. The overwhelming majority of Delaware residents support ending their state's failed prohibition on marijuana.
Spectrum News BN9 on veto message, May 24:
"I do not believe that expanding the use of recreational marijuana is in the best interests of the state of Delaware," Gov. Carney said in returning the bill. "Questions about the long-term health and economic impacts of recreational marijuana use
remain unresolved."
Legislative Outcome: Passed House 26-14-1 on May/5/22; passed Senate 13-7-1 on May/12/22; vetoed by Gov. Carney on May/24/22; House override fails 20-20-1 on Jun/7/22.
Source: Bay News 9 on Delaware voting record HB371
May 24, 2022
Sarah McBride:
Remove penalties for less than an ounce of marijuana
HB371: This Act removes all penalties for possession of 1 ounce or less of marijuana. Possession of more than 1 ounce of marijuana and public consumption remain misdemeanors.NORML summary May 12, 2022: The Delaware Senate approved
legislation to remove criminal and civil penalties for adult possession of marijuana. The overwhelming majority of Delaware residents support ending their state's failed prohibition on marijuana.
Spectrum News BN9 on veto message, May 24:
"I do not believe that expanding the use of recreational marijuana is in the best interests of the state of Delaware," Gov. Carney said in returning the bill. "Questions about the long-term health and economic impacts of recreational marijuana use
remain unresolved."
Legislative Outcome: Passed House 26-14-1 on May/5/22; passed Senate 13-7-1 on May/12/22; Sarah McBride co-sponsored and voted YES; Vetoed by Gov. Carney on May/24/22; House override fails 20-20-1 on Jun/7/22.
Source: NORML on Delaware voting record HB371
May 12, 2022
Mike Ramone:
Reconsider penalties for less than an ounce of marijuana
HB371: This Act removes all penalties for possession of 1 ounce or less of marijuana. Possession of more than 1 ounce of marijuana and public consumption remain misdemeanors.NORML summary May 12, 2022: The Delaware Senate approved
legislation to remove criminal and civil penalties for adult possession of marijuana. The overwhelming majority of Delaware residents support ending their state's failed prohibition on marijuana.
Spectrum News BN9 on veto message, May 24:
"I do not believe that expanding the use of recreational marijuana is in the best interests of the state of Delaware," Gov. Carney said in returning the bill. "Questions about the long-term health and economic impacts of recreational marijuana use
remain unresolved."
Legislative Outcome: Passed House 26-14-1 on May/5; Ramone voted YES; passed Senate 13-7-1 on May/12; Vetoed by Gov. Carney on May/24; House override fails 20-20-1 on Jun/7; Ramone voted NO [sustaining the veto].
Source: NORML on Delaware voting record HB371
Jun 7, 2022
Colin Bonini:
Keep penalties for less than an ounce of marijuana
HB371: This Act removes all penalties for possession of 1 ounce or less of marijuana. Possession of more than 1 ounce of marijuana and public consumption remain misdemeanors.NORML summary May 12, 2022: The Delaware Senate approved
legislation to remove criminal and civil penalties for adult possession of marijuana. The overwhelming majority of Delaware residents support ending their state's failed prohibition on marijuana.
Spectrum News BN9 on veto message, May 24:
"I do not believe that expanding the use of recreational marijuana is in the best interests of the state of Delaware," Gov. Carney said in returning the bill. "Questions about the long-term health and economic impacts of recreational marijuana use
remain unresolved."
Legislative Outcome: Passed House 26-14-1 on May/5/22; passed Senate 13-7-1 on May/12/22; State Sen. Colin Bonini voted NO; Vetoed by Governor John Carney on May/24/22; House override fails 20-20-1 on Jun/7/22.
Source: NORML on Delaware voting record HB371
May 12, 2022
Page last updated: Feb 07, 2026