Del. panel weighs health, safety issues of legalized pot

(AP) – A state task force examining issues surrounding potential legalization of recreational marijuana use focused this week on public health and safety concerns.

The panel also heard Wednesday from a representative of the business community, who said employers want immunity from liability for pot-related workplace injuries, and the ability to adopt zero-tolerance policies, if Delaware were to legalize marijuana.

While eight states and the District of Columbia have legalized recreational use of marijuana, each has done so through referendum, which Delaware does not allow. That leaves the possibility that Delaware could be the first state to implement legalization through the legislative process.

The task force, which may delay a scheduled January reporting deadline, will consider banking, economic and tax issues at its next meeting.