Markell signs Delaware marijuana decriminalization bill

This Thursday the Delaware state senate passed legislation to decriminalize marijuana, and Governor Markell signed without hesitation. The bill allows for adults over 21 to possess up to an ounce of marijuana, and for the drug to be consumed in private. Police will still be able to confiscate the drug if found, and minors found possessing pot will still face criminal charges. Selling the drug still remains illegal, but a simple possession charge will be replaced with a $100 fine. The bill goes into effect six months from now.

After the signing, Markell's spokeswoman Kelly Bachman said in a statement: "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."