(DOVER, Del.) - New bill introduced for recreational marijuana at the Legislative Hall in Dover. Medical marijuana is already legal and efforts are being made to give recreational cannabis the same stamp of approval.
On March 30, House Bill 110 was introduced by state Senator Margaret Rose-Henry and state Representative Helene Keeley, proposing that recreational marijuana be legalized for adults 21 and older.
We spoke with state Representative John Kowalko, a co-signer of the bill.
"There will be many job opportunities brought forth by this bill," he states.
In addition to jobs, passing this bill could earn more revenue for Delaware, and save people from being convicted of a crime.
Zoe Patchell, President of the Delaware cannabis advocacy network, tells us "this bill will save the state millions by ending unnecessary arrests and create economic development."
State Senator Ernie Lopez is not in favor of the bill, saying marijuana "really opens up the door for more difficult and more harder drugs."
Senator Lopez is concerned that legalizing recreational marijuana could increase the opiate epidemic.
Representative Kowalko, however, does not believe marijuana is a gateway drug. He also tells us, "this project isn't about just revenue, it isn't about just jobs, it's about social justice," as he talks about imprisonment of those who use marijuana.