Delaware to Study Cannabis Legalization with Task Force

Legislators in the Delaware General Assembly announced the creation of a cannabis-related Task Force that will explore the possibilities of taxing and regulating cannabis for adult use in the state.

Officially referred to as the “Adult Use Cannabis Task Force,” this 23-member group will study and choose the best methods of regulation in a variety of categories, such as the

“adoption of a model for regulation and taxation of adult-use cannabis in Delaware, including local authority and control, consumer safety and substance abuse prevention, packaging and labeling requirements, impaired driving and other criminal law concerns, and taxation, revenue, and banking issues.” The group will be comprised of a number of government officials, such as the Secretary of the Department of Finance, Attorney General and Chair of the Delaware Police Chiefs’ Council.

Delaware is well on its way, as polls last year reported that 60 percent of Delaware voters support legalizing cannabis and multiple organizations such as the Delaware Cannabis Policy Coalition are striving to bring education and awareness to the masses.

According to Marijuana Policy Project’s Legislative Counsel, Maggie Ellinger-Locke, this is the opportune time to prepare for the future of cannabis in Delaware. “The General Assembly is ready to take a serious look at regulating and taxing marijuana for adult use,” Locke said. “This is an opportunity for a variety of stakeholders to come together and examine every aspect of this issue. We hope it will pave the way for the General Assembly to adopt a more thoughtful approach to cannabis next session. Lawmakers can see the direction the country is moving on this issue and they know most Delaware voters support making marijuana legal for adults.”

The Task Force is set to meet no later than September 7, with solid recommendations to be submitted to the General Assembly by January 31, 2018.