Delaware Governor Vetoes Bill Legalizing Marijuana In State

DOVER, DE — Delaware Gov. John Carney on Tuesday vetoed a bill that legalized the possession of 1 ounce or less of marijuana in the state, according to a statement from his office.

The bill now returns to the General Assembly where it needs a three-fifths vote in each chamber to override the veto.

In the statement, Carney said that while he still supports the use of medical marijuana and the decriminalization of marijuana, the bill leaves some questions unanswered.

"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," Carney said in a statement. "Questions about the long-term health and economic impacts of recreational marijuana use, as well as serious law enforcement concerns, remain unresolved."

It is rare for the General Assembly to override a governor's veto. According to the Delaware News Journal, the last successful override was in 1977.

In a statement to the News Journal, Rep. Ed Osienski, who has led legalization efforts, said he was "deeply disappointed" in Carney's decision especially.

"(The governor) could have allowed the bill to become law without his signature, which would have preserved both his personal opposition and the will of the residents and legislators," Osienski said.

Currently, 18 states and the District of Columbia have legalized marijuana for recreational use. Maryland residents will vote to legalize marijuana at the ballot box later this year, The Hill reported.

In Delaware, legislative approval is the only option for legalization, which has no referendum or ballot initiative option, according to The Hill.