Delaware has passed a new law that decriminalizes the possession and personal use of marijuana, with an ounce at most. The law took effect on Thursday, six months after its legislative approval which was signed by Gov. Jack Markell in June.
"The governor remains committed to reducing the number of people entering the criminal justice system and refocusing resources where they are needed most and House Bill 39 supports these efforts," Gov. Markell's spokeswoman Kelly Bachman said in a statement, according to Delaware Online.
Marijuana decriminalization law takes effect in Delaware: https://t.co/5m7UyEmoBj pic.twitter.com/qkeZ6ei0sU
— NBC10 Philadelphia (@NBCPhiladelphia) December 18, 2015
The law states that possessing an ounce or less of marijuana will be punishable with a $100 fine. First offense for 18 to 21-year-olds will only entail a civil penalty, but future additional offenses will be counted as misdemeanors. However, possession for those who are under 18 is still a criminal offense, WDEL reported.
Smoking marijuana inside moving vehicles, areas that are public, or outdoor private property that is measured at least 10 feet from a street is still considered as a misdemeanor, the Associated Press reported.
Karen O'Keefe, Marijuana Policy Project's state policies director, lobbies in Washington D.C. to reform marijuana laws.
"Delaware's marijuana policy is about to become a lot more reasonable," O'Keefe said, according to Al Jazeera America. "Most people agree adults should not face jail time or the life-altering consequences of a criminal record just for possessing a substance that is safer than alcohol. Taxpayers certainly don't want to foot the bill for it, and fortunately, they will not have to any longer."
"Marijuana is an objectively less harmful substance than alcohol, and most Americans now agree it should be treated that way. Delaware has taken an important step toward adopting a more sensible marijuana policy," Marijuana Policy Project's Robert Capecchi added, according to Delaware Online.
