Group of Delaware Marijuana Supporters Visit the State Legislature

Marijuana advocates in Delaware are urging the state’s General Assembly to approve a measure that would regulate and tax marijuana like alcohol. The Cannabis Bureau of Delaware’s 7^th Citizens’ Lobbying Day was attended by a mass of supports. The event was held at the Legislative Hall in Dover.

Several appointments with lawmakers were made to discuss marijuana, according to Newsworks. Presentations were given by attorneys, advocates and lobbyists in support of legal recreational marijuana.

Zoe Patchell of the Cannabis Bureau of Delaware said, “It’s so important to the legislators to hear from their constituents, because there are so many people that support this issue. But what we’re hearing from legislators is that they don’t hear from constituents on the issue, and we feel it has to do with the stigma around this issue and the illegality of it.”

The legislation to legalize marijuana is being drafted by Senate Majority Leader Margaret Rose Henry. The state’s governor, John Carney, is not ready to support recreational marijuana.

Advocates argue that legalizing adult use of marijuana will help boost the economy and help the state correct its $350 million deficit.

Patchell said, “The biggest concern is that cannabis prohibition is just as ineffective and as problematic as alcohol prohibition. It’s a complete and utter failure that’s costing the state up to $22.3-million annually and has done nothing to reduce the use, supply or demand of cannabis.”

Criminal defense attorney Tom Donovan said, “The ending of prohibition is very near and dear to my heart. I’ve seen a lot of injustices over the last 15 years – needless arrests, broken homes, lost job opportunities – all things we hold near and dear and take for granted every day. Nearly 40-percent of all drug arrests are for simple possession. We’re spending $22-million a year enforcing these cannabis laws. Those resources are better used solving violent crime, property crimes, burglaries, thefts and assaults.”

The attorney hopes that legal recreational marijuana would move those peddling it on the black market to get jobs in the industry if and when it becomes legal.

Many argue that local economies would be stabilized, there would be more access for those that need marijuana for medical purposes and would free up spaces in jails for violent offenders instead of those that are imprisoned for simple marijuana violations.