Delaware’s four candidates for state attorney general are for decriminalizing marijuana, but are much more cautious about fully legalizing the drug.
That’s in contrast to a recent University of Delaware poll revealing 56 percent of state residents support following leads set by Colorado and Washington State in taxing and regulating legalized pot sales.
Republican Ted Kittila says Delaware's law currently has a disproportionate effect on minority communities.
“We’ve got far too many problems rather than going after the occasional midnight toker," said Kittila. "As far as it goes with legalization, no, I’m not in favor of that right now. Let’s wait to see what happens in Colorado. Let’s wait and see what happens in Washington.”
Other candidates echoed Kittila’s wait-and-see approach.
Lt. Gov. Matt Denn, the Democratic nominee for AG, says personal use of marijuana shouldn’t clog up the judicial system, but possessing it should still be treated as a violation.
“I do think that there should continue to be some stigma attached to its use for non-medical purposes," said Denn. "You can call me old fashioned if you want, but I would like my 9-year-old children and their friends to still think that using drugs is bad.”
Third party candidates David Graham and Catherine Damavandi say more studies are needed on implementation in western states before Delaware takes a full leap into legalization.
Delaware already legalized medical marijuana, though no dispensary has opened.
A bill in the General Assembly last year would’ve decriminalized up to an ounce of pot for adults 21-years-old or over with a 250 dollar fine.
It was released from a House committee, but never received a full debate. Similar legislation is expected to be filed later this year.
The AG candidates joined others seeking federal or statewide office this year at a candidate forum Wednesday organized by the League of Women Voters of Kent County.
