FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, April 21, 2023
Contact: Violet Cavendish
vcavendish@mpp.org
We did it!! Today, Governor Carney announced that he will allow HB 1 and HB 2, bills to legalize and regulate cannabis for adults, to became law without his signature. The First State will officially become the 22nd state to legalize cannabis!
Since the governor had until Saturday, April 22 to act on HB 1, the bill will officially become law as the day ends. The governor had until Wednesday, April 26th to act on HB 2, so that bill will become law thereafter.
For years, our coalition has advocated and organized to end cannabis prohibition in Delaware. From organizing lobby days, rallies, and town halls, testifying in key committees, conducting media outreach, voter guides, and so much more, we’re proud to have played a leading role to reach this historic moment. We’ve been awed by the amazing coalition of volunteers who stepped up year after year despite hurdles — including Gov. Carney’s veto last year!
We’d like to extend a huge thank you and congratulations to the lead sponsors of HB 1 and HB 2, Representative Ed Osienski and Senator Trey Paradee, for their years of commitment and work to legalize cannabis in Delaware.
Finally, we could not have reached this point without the persistence and support of Delawareans across the state. Thank you!
Congratulations, Delaware!
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Founded in 1995, the Marijuana Policy Project (MPP) is the nation’s leading cannabis policy reform organization. MPP has played a central role in passing dozens of cannabis policy reforms in states across the country, including 10 successful cannabis legalization campaigns, and also works to advance federal reforms.