Cannabis Bureau Of DE Invites Public To Town Hall To Discuss Legalization In Delaware

Katelyn Baker

Well-Known Member
The Cannabis Bureau of Delaware invited the public to attend a town hall to discuss marijuana regulation in the First State.

"The goal for the Cannabis Bureau of Delaware is to tax and regulate cannabis like alcohol for adults 21 and older," said Co-Chair of the CBD Zoe Patchell. "We'd like to create economic development, continue revenue source, and employment opportunities for Delaware while eliminating the illicit market and the number of other problems associated with cannabis prohibition."

The town hall was set to be held Tuesday, October 25 at 7 p.m. at Camden Delaware VFW in Camden-Wyoming, moderated by WDEL's Susan Monday.

"We have award winning journalist Susan Monday moderating our event," said Patchell. "We have speakers including Neill Franklin, a Law Enforcement Against Prohibition Executive Director, as well as a drug task force expert. We also have registered nurse Sarah Bargas, local attorney Tom Donovan, and two veterans that are going to speak on the pitfalls for veterans in an era of cannabis prohibition, and that's Kim Petters and Dan Schmink."

"We're looking to raise awareness about cannabis as well as the harms of cannabis prohibition. We'd like the public to come out and share their questions and concerns about this. This is a community issue and we're looking to create an open and honest dialogue in our community," said Patchell.

Colorado, Alaska, Oregon, and Washington have all legalized the sale and recreational use of marijuana for adults 21 and over.

"Colorado and Oregon are great examples of what we could do with a policy that would tax and regulate cannabis," said Patchell. "Colorado has netted over 100 million dollars just in tax revenue in the last two years. They've issued over 27 thousand licenses for employment in this already existing industry. DUI arrests are actually down 18 percent overall in Colorado."

Critics argue legalizing marijuana leads to increased crashes on the roadways.

Patchell compared marijuana prohibition to alcohol prohibition.

"Cannabis prohibition creates crime and violence in our communities just like during alcohol prohibition," said Patchell. "As well as the fact that it diverts police manpower and resources away from real crime to a completely victimless issue. Here in Delaware we spend over 22.3 million dollars arresting people like me that choose a safer, healthier alternative to alcohol."

Delaware decriminalized the possession of up to one ounce of marijuana last year.

"Decriminalization was a good step forward, however it doesn't address the many concerns with the illicit market, as well as the fact that people are still being arrested under the decriminalization policy," said Patchell. "It only applies to leaf cannabis, and not the oils, the edibles, or hash even. Smoking in public is still a misdemeanor arrest. We're looking to eliminate the illicit market and create jobs and revenue by taxing and regulating cannabis like alcohol."

She said marijuana is safer than alcohol, and pointed out that according to the DEA Drugs of Abuse report there have been no marijuana overdoses.

"Alcohol is associated with 40 percent of all homicides, 37 percent of sexual assaults, and 2/3 of domestic violence, while a Journal of Trauma article states cannabis is not associated with violent or non-violent injuries requiring hospitalization," said Patchell.

Patchell also said legalization is dealing a blow to the cartels.

"The Marijuana Policy Project put out a study that showed that 70 percent of all cartel sales in Colorado has diminished," said Patchell. "Instead of allowing all this revenue and employment opportunities to go to cartels and gangs, it's now being taxed and regulated so people in the states, law abiding citizens, can benefit from this already existing industry."

California, Arizona, Massachusetts, Maine, and Nevada are voting November 8th on whether or not to legalize and regulate the sale of marijuana.

"So, basically with four states plus D.C. that have legalized cannabis for adults 21 and older with 5 more slated to follow suit on the November 8th ballot, it's inevitable," said Patchell. "We shouldn't be wasting state resources and arresting people for a plant that's safer than alcohol."

Delaware Senator Margaret Rose Henry has said she plans to introduce legislation in January that would legalize marijuana for Delawareans 21 years and older.

"We're very excited. We now have bipartisan support in the senate. Senator Henry has announced that she will introduce a bill in January at the start of legislative session. We also have support from Senator Bonini, a gubernatorial candidate, who's also pledged his support to tax and regulate cannabis like alcohol for adults 21 and older," said Patchell.

Opponents of legalizing marijuana for recreational use said the drug - often referred to as a "gateway drug" could lead to increased use of other drugs by youth.

A second town town hall November 17 at 7 p.m., at the Police Athletic League in Wilmington.

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News Moderator: Katelyn Baker 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: Cannabis Bureau Of DE Invites Public To Town Hall To Discuss Legalization In Delaware
Author: Lauren Huet
Contact: 302-478-8898
Photo Credit: Getty Images
Website: WDEL
 
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