Eight states have legalized recreational use of marijuana, and the Delaware Cannabis Advocacy Network is looking to make sure Delaware is the ninth.

“It’s inevitable,” said Zoë Patchell, network executive director, during a March 9 town hall meeting in Georgetown organized by the pro-pot group. There’s bipartisan support, and a bill is expected to be introduced this month, she said.

As part of a statewide tour to rally support, Delaware CAN has been advocating a plan that legalizes the regulated use of marijuana, like alcohol – for individuals 21 years and older, with a tax structure attached.

The industry already exists with or without legalization, said Patchell to an enthusiastic crowd. She said Delaware’s laws are fiscally irresponsible because more than $22 million a year is spent on arresting and prosecuting marijuana users.

Hosted by WDEL’s Susan Monday, the town hall’s panelists included two attorneys, two veterans and a doctor.

James Spadola, Iraq War veteran and former New Castle County police officer, said legalizing marijuana would put a stake through the heart of the war on drugs. He said the state’s effort to decriminalize is a myth because it’s confusing and leads to police officers abusing the system.

If alcohol and marijuana were to be discovered today, said Spadola, it’s alcohol that would be illegal.

Sam Chick, Iraq War veteran and Harrington business owner, said state government needs a hefty dose of common sense. He said if Delaware legalizes before the surrounding states, the tourism and agriculture industries would benefit.

It could be a new cash crop that benefits both industries, Chick said. “We want that money right here in Delaware,” he said.

Chick advocated a program with a tax rate no higher than 10 percent and an appropriate business license fee. When it happens, he said, it should not be a program that only allows for government cronies to be involved.

Attorney Tom Donovan has represented over 70 individuals pro bono who were arrested for possession of marijuana. He said the social cost is staggering.

It doesn’t just affect the individual, he said, but their children and families too.

Legalizing marijuana “inevitable”

Patchell isn’t the only person who thinks the legalization of marijuana is inevitable.

Lt. Gov. Bethany Hall-Long agrees. During an Eastern Sussex Democrats Club meeting, on the same day as the Delaware CAN meeting, when asked about legalizing and then taxing marijuana as a possible source of revenue, Hall-Long said, “It’s inevitable,” before bringing the discussion back to getting her Democratic cohorts ready for the 2018 election.

Two months into his new job, Gov. John Carney has yet to publicly voice an opinion on the matter.

Jonathan Starkey, Carney spokesman, said March 10 the governor is aware of the discussion throughout the state because it was an issue brought up numerous times during the governor’s statewide Budget Reset tour.

Starkey said the governor is focused on getting the state’s medical marijuana program set first. He had no comment on whether the governor would sign a bill if one made it through the General Assembly. The governor wouldn’t want to sway the discussion in any way, Starkey said.

Following the Delaware CAN meeting, when Patchell was told of Hall-Long’s comments, a big smile came across her face. “That’s encouraging,” she said, surprised by the unexpected news.

As of March 15, no bill has been introduced on the legalization of marijuana.

Upcoming events for Delaware CAN

The group is participating in the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control’s beach grass planting Saturday, March 18.

Patchell said they’ve renamed the event Grass for Grass. Delaware CAN’s beach assignment is 3R’s Beach, south of the Indian River Inlet, from 9 a.m. to noon. Patchell is asking participants to show up at 8:30 a.m.

The group will also be participating in the Global Cannabis March for the fourth straight year. The event takes place at 2 p.m., Saturday, May 6, beginning at Surfside Park in Rehoboth Beach.