DE: Legalization effort picks back up with two-track approach!

Ask your lawmakers to make 2022 the year Delaware legalizes cannabis for adults!

Good news! The effort to legalize cannabis for adults in Delaware this year is not over.

After a comprehensive legalization bill — HB 305 — failed to get a three-fifths supermajority on the House floor in March, Rep. Ed Osienski (D) has taken a new two-track approach and introduced two separate cannabis bills — HB 371 and HB 372.

HB 371 would simply legalize possession of up to one ounce of cannabis for adults 21 and older. Because it has no fees or taxes, HB 371 only requires a simple majority of 21 votes. Notably, it has 21 cosponsors.

HB 372, which is largely identical to HB 305, would regulate and tax adult-use sales. Because it has taxes and fees, HB 372 would still need the three-fifths supermajority to pass. Encouragingly, some members may be more likely to vote to legalize regulated sales once possession has been legalized.

Please reach out to your lawmakers today and urge them to end cannabis prohibition in Delaware this year!

The new legalization bills have already been scheduled for committee hearings this coming Wednesday, April 13. Please consider making your voice heard at the hearing by providing written or oral testimony.

HB 371 (legalizing possession) is scheduled to be heard by the House Health and Human Development Committee on Wednesday, April 13 at 11 a.m., while HB 372 (regulating and taxing sales) is scheduled to be heard the same day by the House Revenue and Finance Committee at 1 p.m.

The public may provide public comment for the hearings by attending in-person at Legislative Hall (411 Legislative Avenue, Dover, DE 19901). Oral testimony will be limited to two minutes. Written comments can be submitted ahead of the hearings to HouseCommitteeComment@delaware.gov.

A strong majority of Delawareans support legalization. Help make sure legalization crosses the finish line this session by providing testimony at the upcoming hearing and emailing your lawmakers in support of legalizing and regulating cannabis for adults!

Together, we can end prohibition in the First State!