Recreational cannabis legalization gains momentum in Delaware

Delaware is making progress toward becoming the first state to legalize recreational marijuana through legislation, according to a leading cannabis advocate.

The Adult Use Cannabis Task Force, formed after a July resolution by the General Assembly, has met monthly to study the possibility of rec legalization.

“Progress is definitely being made, and we are one step closer to legalization,” Zoe Patchell, president of the Delaware Cannabis Advocacy Network, told Delaware 105.9 FM. She has attended all the panel’s meetings.

Here’s what you need to know:

• State Sen. Rose Henry and Rep. Helene Keeley – who earlier in the year sponsored legislation to legalize adult-use cannabis – are co-chairs of the task force, which is made up of representatives from several state agencies.
• The group is mandated to release a detailed report, including recommendations to the state, by Aug. 18.
• The finance department told the task force that marijuana taxes could generate $25 million-27 million in annual revenue for the state.
• Though no state has legalized adult use through a legislature, Delaware and New Jersey seemingly have legitimate chances to do so in 2018.