Recreational weed to become legal in Delaware on Sunday

Starting with the stroke of midnight Saturday, Delawareans over the age of 21 can light up a joint, bong, or bowl of marijuana in private, or eat a weed gummy, without any threat of penalty.

That’s because Gov. John Carney said in a written statement at 3:45 p.m. Friday that he would not veto a bill to legalize the possession, use, or transportation of up to an ounce of weed. The governor, a staunch opponent of legalization, also said Friday he won’t veto the bill that created a regulated marijuana retail market.

That means, on Sunday, if you get pulled over for speeding or any other traffic violation, you could have an ounce, clearly visible in a bag, sitting on the passenger seat, and police can’t do a thing. No different from having an unopened six-pack of beer in the car.

Carney won’t sign the bills into law, or use his veto pen as he did last year with the legalization-only measure. Instead, he will let them become law without his signature. His deadline for signing or vetoing was Saturday at midnight for the legalization-only bill, and Wednesday night for the regulatory bill.

None of up to 30 retail licenses where people can buy marijuana will be issued until at least August 2024, while regulations are being adopted and applicants are reviewed. A 15% tax will be levied on retail sales.

“As I’ve consistently said, I believe the legalization of recreational marijuana is not a step forward,’’ Carney’s statement said. “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 want to be clear that my views on this issue have not changed. And I understand there are those who share my views who will be disappointed in my decision not to veto this legislation. 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.”