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Pro pot advocates becoming more outspoken

Karl Malgiero/Delaware Public Media

Marijuana advocates are becoming more outspoken as the General Assembly is set to debate Delaware’s pot policy.

Protestors confronted Gov. Jack Markell (D) during a public appearance in Newark Monday, pushing him to embrace legalizing recreational marijuana. Markell has publicly rejected those calls, saying it won’t happen while he’s governor.National lobbying group Marijuana Policy Project met with state NORML members Tuesday night regarding their public image and teaching advocates how to effectively lobby state lawmakers.

Monthly demonstrations often include a person dressed as a red-eyed pot leaf named Hempy and one demonstrator wheeling around a large, almost chimney-like bong.

Cynthia Ferguson, executive director of Delaware NORML, says she doesn’t oppose a bit of polish.

“I also agree that maybe he shouldn’t bring the bong every time we go out, but I’m not going to stop the man from doing it," said Ferguson. "Maybe he can see another way to fight this battle.”

Other aspects of Delaware NORML's approach, however, are held sacred.

“Hempy is just so well-loved. You have no idea. People stop on the street to take their picture with him. During [our marches] I’ve literally seen people pull over in their car, run out and do a selfie with Hempy.”

Efforts will ramp up as a bill to decriminalize marijuana for adults moves through the state legislature.

The proposed legislation passed through a House committee in late 2014, though lawmakers didn't address it on the floor before gaveling out for the year.

The group’s next will march through Old New Castle Saturday, with plans to move southward for their next events.

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