Delaware Legalizes Pot: Becomes 18th State to Jump on American Marijuana Legalization Bandwagon

Delaware will permit its residents to carry a small amount of recreational marijuana. State governor, Jack Markell, signed new legislation Thursday that will decriminalize possession of small amounts of the drug.

The legislation will allow adults to carry one ounce or less of marijuana for recreational uses without facing criminal penalties. Instead, it would be classified as a civil offense that includes a $100 fine. Smoking marijuana in a moving vehicle in or within 10 feet of public areas is considered a misdemeanor.

On Wednesday, a committee discussed an amendment to reduce the amount of marijuana from one ounce to half of an ounce. The amendment never reached the floor for debate.

Markell signed the bill, which was sponsored by Representative Helene Keely from Wilmington, after it passed the Democrat-heavy Senate. The bill passed the Democrat-led House earlier this month. The measure did not receive any support from Republicans, who believe that the bill sends a wrong message to young people.

"The governor remains committed to reducing the number of people entering the criminal justice system and refocusing resources where they are needed most and House Bill 39 supports these efforts," spokeswoman Kelly Bachman said in a statement.

Republican Sen. Colin Bonini from Dover stated, "This is a vote we're going to really, really regret. Would you want your kid smoking weed? I think the answer is overwhelmingly no."

"That's a lot of marijuana. You could do a lot with it. You could have a big party with it. This is much more than what personal use would be." Republican Sen. Brian Pettyjohn from Georgetown added.

Despite the Republicans' lack of support, many believe that this law will be good for the state.

"I've said for some time that we're generally supportive of possession of small amounts being treated as a civil rather than a criminal offense," Attorney General Matt Denn said.

"It's safer for me to choose cannabis over alcohol," Zoe Patchell, a Delaware marijuana activist with Cannabis Bureau of Delaware, said.

19 other states and the District of Columbia have all passed laws that prevent citizens from being criminally charged for possessing small amounts of marijuana.

The new legislation will take effect in six months. Selling marijuana, however is still considered a crime under the law.