It is with great joy and excitement that we celebrate Delaware becoming the 22nd state to legalize cannabis for recreational use. This is a revolutionary reform that decreases the power of the carceral state and empowers the working class.
One of the most important aspects of Delaware’s legalization of cannabis is the positive impact it can have on marginalized communities. The disproportionate impact of cannabis criminalization on communities of color has been well-documented, with unfair arrests, convictions, and harsh sentencing contributing to systemic racism and social injustice. Legalization presents an opportunity to correct these injustices by reducing the criminalization of cannabis and promoting social equity initiatives, additional assistance with expungement of past cannabis-related convictions and creating pathways for diverse ownership and participation in the cannabis industry. This is a significant step towards rectifying the harm caused by the War on Drugs and promoting equity and justice.
We send our gratitude and thanks to Zoe Patchell, Andrea Brown Clarke and all DECAN coalition partners. as well as the prime sponsor Rep. Ed Osienski and of course all of DEDSA’s endorsed state legislators and all other legislators who voted for these bills, for making this a reality. We also thank Gov. John Carney for putting the people of Delaware above corporations and special interests this time around.
As we celebrate this historic moment, let us recognize that Delaware’s decision to legalize marijuana is not just about adult use, but also about promoting social justice, economic empowerment, and equity in the cannabis industry. We must continue to advocate for responsible and equitable cannabis policies that prioritize the well-being of all individuals, especially those who have been disproportionately impacted by cannabis criminalization, such as automatic expungement of all nonviolent cannabis offenses, home-grow, and public cannabis consumption lounges. Together, we can continue to push for progress and strive towards a more just and inclusive approach to cannabis policy.