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Bill to decriminalize marijuana introduced in Delaware

Decriminalizing marijuana in Delaware, U.S.

Possessing pot under House Bill 39 would simply be a civil fine but selling it or possessing it with the intention of selling it (determined by how much marijuana was possessed) would still be a criminal offence. Rep. Keeley does not want to see Delawareans penalized so heavily for simple pot possession that they have extra troubles finding a job or getting financial aid for post-secondary education.

“There are a lot of people out there who, instead of going home and having a martini, or going home and having a glass of wine, they want to go home and take a couple hits,” Rep. Keeley told media. “For them that is just as relaxing as having a glass of wine.”

She also said there was a generational shift going on here toward legislation that does not criminalize marijuana possession. In the United States there are four states in which recreational use of marijuana is permitted, Colorado, Washington, Oregon and Alaska (it becomes legal to possess pot in Alaska on Feb. 24). A recent study published by a firm called ArcView predicts that by 2020 there will be 18 U.S. states that allow recreational use of pot.

Civil fines for pot possession

In addition to those four states above, there are another 19 states that allow medical marijuana, one of which is Delaware. However, there is confusion as to the reaction of the federal government to Delaware’s ‘compassion centers’ where patients go to receive their marijuana. When the medical marijuana bill, passed into law in 2011, will be fully implemented is uncertain.

Others in the House in Delaware support House Bill 39 and Gov. Jack Markell has also spoken in support of decriminalizing marijuana possession. It could clear his desk by as early as June of this year, officials said.

Under the bill possession of up to an ounce of marijuana would result in a $100 fine. Someone caught smoking marijuana in public would be dealt with more seriously; public pot smokers would face a criminal misdemeanor charge and, if found guilty, receive a fine of $200.

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