On Friday, April 21, 2023, Gov. John Carney issued a press release indicating he would not veto two legalization bills on his desk as he did one year ago, and they would go into effect on Sunday, April 23, 2023. Sources suggest that, unlike last year, the Democratic-controlled General Assembly would have sufficient votes to override the Governor’s veto. 

In his statement, Gov. Carney maintained his opposition to broad legalization, yet recognized opposition to cannabis reform is no longer a priority: “I want to be clear that my views on this issue have not changed . . . [a]nd 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,” he said.

The bills – HB1 and HB2 – legalize personal possession of up to an ounce of cannabis for those 21 and older, and also set up a framework for a regulated adult-use market. Within 13 months, state regulators will begin accepting applicants for retail, cultivation and product manufacturing licenses.