Vetoed Legislation

Democrat Gov. John Carney vetoed legislation, House Bill 371, that sought to eliminate penalties for the possession of up to one ounce of cannabis by adults. 

Enacted Legislation

Governor Carney signed several marijuana-related bills into law in 2019. Specifically, he signed Senate Bill 37, which expands the pool of those eligible to seek an expungement of their criminal records and Senate Bill 45, which eliminates criminal penalties for low-level marijuana offenses for those under 21 years of age. He also signed into law Senate Bill 24, which expands physicians' discretion to recommend medical cannabis therapy to patients -- including those who suffer from disorders not explicitly listed among the state’s list of pre-qualifying conditions. (Link)(Link)(Link)

“As I’ve consistently said, I believe the legalization of recreational marijuana is not a step forward. I support both medical marijuana and Delaware’s decriminalization law because no one should go to jail for possessing a personal use quantity of marijuana. And today, they do not. ... I came to this decision because I believe we’ve spent far too much time focused on this issue, when Delawareans face more serious and pressing concerns every day. It’s time to move on." 4/21/2023

“I have been clear about my position since before I took office. I do not believe that promoting or expanding the use of recreational marijuana is in the best interests of the state of Delaware, especially our young people.” (Veto message, 5/24/2022)

“There are still unanswered questions, and he [Governor Carney] believes we should continue to monitor progress in other states that have legalized.” (Link) 5/19/19

Against legalization but willing to hear from proponents. (5/24/17)

"I'm not in favor of [the state legalizing and taxing marijuana]. We ought to learn from the experience of other states that are doing it. I don't think we ought to be out on the edge of that curve." (1/30/17)

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