John Carney on Drugs

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.

Decriminalize under-age marijuana possession

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.

Impose new protections for the safe prescribing of opioids

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.

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

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)

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.

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