Delaware patients' voices needed to move medical marijuana legislation

In the coming weeks, Delaware will have its first chance to stand up for seriously ill patients when Senator Margaret Rose Henry (D-Wilmington) introduces medical marijuana legislation for the first time in the Delaware Senate. The Delaware Legislature has never heard a modern medical marijuana bill, so Senator Henry will make history when she introduces her legislation, which will be based on MPP's model bill.

However, we cannot educate legislators without your help. For this bill to pass, lawmakers need to hear from patients and their allies. If you are a patient, a loved one, a medical professional, or a member of law enforcement or the clergy who might be interested in speaking out, please contact me at state@mpp.org to see how you can be of special help in passing this legislation. Please include your nine-digit zip code or your address so we can identify your legislators, and please share your connection with medical marijuana.

Delaware's medical marijuana bill can become law. Three other Northeastern states have already removed their criminal penalties for the doctor-advised medical use of marijuana. Two of those states — Rhode Island and Vermont — recently expanded their medical marijuana laws. New Jersey and New York may pass similar laws this year. It's time for the Delaware legislature to catch up with the times and show its compassion.

But to get Delaware's bill moving, legislators need to know that their constituents care about this issue. So please take a few moments to use our automated system to write your legislator, and let us know if she or he is willing to co-sponsor legislation. And don't forget to email state@mpp.org if you are a patient, loved one, a medical professional, or a member of law enforcement or the clergy interested in helping make medical marijuana legal under Delaware law.

Together, we can make Delaware the 14th state to allow the doctor-advised medical use of marijuana. Thank you for your support. Please pass this on to any patients you know who might be interested in getting involved.