Marijuana legalization bills are released from House committees in Delaware

A renewed effort to legalize marijuana by separating proposed legislation takes its first step in the House – with two new bills released from committee.

Legislation to legalize possession of one ounce or less of marijuana clears the House Health and Human Development Committee.

The bill’s sponsor Ed Osienski explains what would be legal and remain illegal under the measure.

“Legalizes the personal possession of an ounce or less, but it still is illegal to be under 21 in possession, possessing over an ounce, and it’s still illegal to drive impaired,” said Osienski.

He notes it would also remain illegal to smoke in public.

The legislation was released in a party line vote with Democrats supporting, and Republicans either voting no or not voting.

There was controversy as a vote to release was moved and seconded prior to public comment. GOP State Rep. Ruth Briggs King argued public comment was needed.

Committee Chair David Bentz – after consulting House counsel – moved on without public comment -prompting most GOP members to walk out with one more bill on the agenda.

Meanwhile, a second bill on regulating and taxing legal marijuana cleared the House Revenue and Finance Committee. [Read more at Delaware Public Media]