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Governor Carney Hosting Marijuana Roundtable Discussion on April 19

Delaware Marijuana

At 4 p.m. on Wednesday, April 19, Governor Carney will hold a roundtable discussion focused on marijuana. The subject has been brought up at almost all town hall meetings since the news of the state’s budget deficit crisis came to light. The event will be at the Delaware Technical Community College George Campus.

Some marijuana supporters have been personally invited to attend the event, according to Delaware Online. Delaware NORML representative Cynthia Ferguson was invited to join the governor on stage. She, along with five others, will aid the governor in fielding questions regarding marijuana and what legalization means for Delaware.

Communications director for the governor, Jonathan Starkey said, “Gov. Carney understands that many Delawareans support legalizing marijuana, and Wednesday’s event is a listening session for the governor to hear more about the potential merits of legalization. He is also working to understand the potential unintended consequences of passing such a law in Delaware.”

Ferguson said, “I’m glad it’s not on 4/20 because we have an event planned that day.”

If Delaware legalized recreational marijuana, up to 40-retail marijuana store licenses would be allowed. Retailers would pay a $5,000 application fee and $10, 000 annual licensing fee. Consumers would be taxed at a rate of $50-per ounce. Medical marijuana dispensaries would be given the opportunity to apply for retail licenses first.

Much of the taxes generated from the retail marijuana industry would go for paying for its regulation and operation. Schools and aiding prisoners in their society re-entering process are where some of those left over tax dollars would go. Funds would also be allocated for drug abuse programs and training police officers to detect stoned drivers.

While Carney requests more time to study how other states that have legalized recreational marijuana have been impacted, he also wants to see the medical marijuana program fully operational.

To prevent the event from becoming an “all-nighter”, public comment/questions will be held at the end of the event but will also be limited. Each panelist will speak before the floor is opened up to the public.