Our View

Tomorrow, a huge step towards a final decision in how Delaware will handle marijuana will take place.

Governor Carney will sit alongside a group of marijuana legalization supporters as part of a public roundtable that will take place at Delaware Technical Community College's George Campus in Wilmington on Wednesday at 4 p.m.

But you'll have to excuse us for taking a minute to have a lighthearted laugh at the fact that this event is taking place the day before “4/20”: The day that marijuana supporters and enthusiast love to celebrate the cannabis plant by partaking in numerous “activities.”

"Gov. Carney understands that many Delawareans support legalizing marijuana, and Wednesday's event is a listening session for the governor to hear more about the potential merits of legalization," said Jonathan Starkey, the governor's communications director. "He is also working to understand the potential unintended consequences of passing such a law in Delaware."

According to Scott Goss’ recent News Journal article, the proposed Delaware Marijuana Control Act would create a commission to regulate, license and tax marijuana business in the state. Up to 40 retails stores could be licensed to sell marijuana under the bill, with medical marijuana dispensaries given the first opportunity to open retail operations.

There are estimates that the act could generate $22 million in annual tax revenue for Delaware, which is currently facing a state deficit that is now estimated to being close to $400 million.

However, money generated from taxes and fees would first be directed toward covering administrative costs. The remaining funds would be allocated toward education, programs aimed at helping prisoners re-enter society, drug abuse rehabilitation and prevention programs and initiatives aimed at training police officers to recognize whether drivers are under the influence of marijuana and other drugs.

In layman’s terms, this money would help Delaware finance some of the programs that need it the most. But even then, that money would not be available for at least another year or two. However, the potential of legalizing marijuana is being viewed as more of a fairness in justice law, than a money-making tactic.

Governor Carney has said he is against the legalization of marijuana, and that he wants more time to study the impact of legalization efforts.

But at this point, a final decision needs to be made.

We understand that marijuana can be a touchy topic. It has the capacity to bring in a person’s religious beliefs, or it can make them question their views on morality. But there are also the monetary and economic advantages that need to be considered.

The University of Delaware conducted a poll last year that found that more than 60 percent of state residents support full legalization of marijuana. The First State is also still adjusting to a 2015 state law that decriminalized marijuana, downgrading possession of an ounce from a criminal offense to a civil violation.

The conversation about marijuana has been going on for a while, and it won’t end anytime soon.

And that’s why Gov. Carney needs to make a decision on what Delaware’s “two cents” on the matter will be.