Starting six months from now, possession of small amounts of marijuana will no longer be a criminal offense in Delaware for anyone 18 or older.
DOVER, Del. — Delaware Gov. Jack Markell has signed legislation decriminalizing possession of small amounts of marijuana.
Markell signed the bill Thursday shortly after it passed the Democrat-controlled Senate on a straight party-line vote.
The measure also received no Republican support when it passed the Democrat-led House earlier this month. Republicans say it sends the wrong message to young people, even though it keeps simple possession a criminal offense for anyone under 18.
The legislation takes effect in six months. It eliminates criminal penalties for possession by an adult of 1 ounce of marijuana or less for personal use. Instead, it would be a civil offense punishable by a $100 fine.
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Smoking pot in a moving vehicle, in public areas or within 10 feet of public property would be a misdemeanor.