Delaware governor vetoes marijuana legalization bill, setting up historic showdown with legislature

Gov. John Carney announced on Tuesday that he will veto a bill that would legalize the possession of 1 ounce or less of marijuana, setting up a historic showdown with the General Assembly.

For years, Carney has not wavered in his position against marijuana legalization. He said in a statement that he does not “believe that promoting or expanding the use of recreational marijuana is in the best interests of the state of Delaware, especially our young people.”

Carney said he supports the use of medical marijuana and decriminalization of marijuana. He cited his decision to veto due to questions surrounding “long-term health and economic impacts” of marijuana and “serious law enforcement concerns.”

This is likely the most controversial veto of Carney’s tenure as governor, and is a major break from those in the state and national Democratic Party. Carney said in a statement that he understands “that some hold a different view on this issue.”

The legislation will be returned to the General Assembly, where it would need to receive a three-fifths vote in each chamber to override the veto. The initial vote surpassed that benchmark, and had some bipartisan support. [Read More @ Delaware Online]