Delaware’s full House of Representatives has passed House Bill 39, a proposal to decriminalize the possession of up to an ounce of cannabis. The vote was 24 to 14.

Under the proposed law, introduced by Representative Helene Keeley (D-Wilmington South), those caught possessing up to an ounce of cannabis would, at most, given an $100 ticket. Smoking in public, however, would remain a criminal misdemeanor with a potential 5-day jail sentence and a $200 fine.

Under current Delaware law, the possession of even a miniscule amount of cannabis is a misdemeanor charge with a potential 3-month jail sentence.

House Bill 39 now heads to the state’s Senate for consideration, where its passage will send it to Governor Jack Markell.

According to polling released last year by Public Policy Polling, 68% of Delaware voters support decriminalizing cannabis,

– TheJointBlog