Delaware’s House Revenue and Finance Committee clears Delaware Marijuana Control Act

In Delaware, The House Revenue and Finance Committee has cleared a bill that would make marijuana legal for adults 21 and older.

The bill named the Delaware Marijuana Control Act, also known as HB 110, would regulate marijuana like the state regulates alcohol.

HB110 cleared the House committee with a 10-2 vote.

It is sponsored by Representative Helene Keeley, who happens to also be the chair of the Delaware House Revenue and Finance Committee.

We are told this bill would allow individuals to possess up to one ounce of marijuana.

Consumers would pay an excise tax of $50 an ounce, while businesses would pay an application fee of $5,000 and a $10,000 licensing fee every two years.

The legislation would create a commission to regulate, license and tax the marijuana industry, allowing licenses for up to 40 retail stores.

There were a number of people who showed up to testify. In opposition, AAA and the state's Chamber of Commerce were there.

Delaware Cannabis Advocacy Network and other supporters pushed for the bill. The group says they are meeting legislators on May 11, 2017 to get their voices heard.

The bill will now go to the full House for a vote.

Representative Keeley said at the hearing, she does not intend to run the bill tomorrow or before they break for Joint Finance Committee markup.

The earliest it could possibly be considered is June.

List of those voters:

FOR:

Helene M. Keeley

Bryon H. Short

Paul S. Baumbach

Andria L. Bennett

Stephanie T. Bolden

James Johnson

Quinton Johnson

Charles Potter Jr.

Sean Matthews

Jeff N. Spiegelman

AGAINST:

Ronald E. Gray

Lyndon D. Yearick

ABSENT:

Michael Ramone