Jack Markell on Drugs

	Jack Markell on Drugs Delaware Democratic Governor

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

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

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

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

Six new state troopers to focus on gangs & drug-trafficking

The Delaware State Police and their county colleagues are working to reduce violent crime in the City of Wilmington. Those efforts include intelligence gathering, targeted investigations, and an emphasis on ensuring that our most violent offenders are off the street. Last year, I authorized six new state troopers from the Violent Crime Fund to focus on the violent gangs and drug-trafficking groups that commit the majority of homicides in Delaware. This year, I propose funding for six additional troopers with the same focus.

We know what after-school and summer programs do for kids: research has demonstrated that they improve academic performance, reduce drop-out rates, reduce depression, improve self-control and self-esteem, and prevent risky behaviors such as drug and alcohol use and juvenile crime. I will propose that we provide more opportunities for after-school and summer activities that get kids off the streets and give them exposure to the arts, nature, and physical activity.

Source: 2013 Del. State of the State speech , Jan 17, 2013

Rated B+ by NORML, indicating a pro-drug-reform stance.

Markell scores B+ by the NORML on drug reform

OnTheIssues.org interprets the 2016 NORML scores as follows:

C-/D/F: `hard-on-drugs` stance (approx. 243 members)
C: mixed record on drug reform (approx. 45 members)
A/B: pro-drug-reform stance (approx. 293 members)

About NORML (from their website, www.norml.org):

National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Law`s mission is to move public opinion sufficiently to achieve the repeal of marijuana prohibition so that the responsible use of cannabis by adults is no longer subject to penalty.

NORML is a nonprofit, public-interest lobby that for more than 30 years has provided a voice for those Americans who oppose marijuana prohibition. We represent the interests of the tens of millions of Americans who smoke marijuana responsibly and believe the recreational and medicinal use of marijuana should no longer be a crime.

NORML supports the removal of all criminal penalties for the private possession & responsible use of marijuana by adults, including the cultivation for personal use, and the casual nonprofit transfers of small amounts. This model is called `decriminalization.`

NORML additionally supports the development of a legally controlled market for marijuana, where consumers could purchase it from a safe, legal and regulated source. This model is referred to as `legalization.`

NORML believes that marijuana smoking is not for kids and should only be used responsibly by adults. As with alcohol consumption, it must never be an excuse for misconduct or other bad behavior. Driving or operating heavy equipment while impaired from marijuana should be prohibited.

NORML strongly supports the right of patients to use marijuana as a medicine when their physician recommends it to relieve pain and suffering.

Lastly, NORML supports the right of farmers to commercially cultivate hemp for industrial purposes, such as food and fiber production.

Source: NORML website 16_NORML on Nov 8, 2016

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