Delaware bill would change penalties for public marijuana use – WDEL
Generally sunny despite a few afternoon clouds. High 47F. Winds NW at 15 to 25 mph. Higher wind gusts possible..
Partly cloudy skies during the evening will give way to cloudy skies overnight. Low near 30F. Winds light and variable.
Updated: December 24, 2025 @ 12:55 am
Sponsored by Delmarva Power
Get WDEL TrafficWatch alerts on your phone
Get our latest headlines delivered right to your inbox. Sign up now!
93.7 WSTW is the Delaware Valley’s NEW Home for the Holidays
FILE – In this Friday, March 22, 2019, file photo, a marijuana plant is seen at Compassionate Care Foundation’s medical marijuana dispensary in Egg Harbor Township, N.J.
FILE – In this Friday, March 22, 2019, file photo, a marijuana plant is seen at Compassionate Care Foundation’s medical marijuana dispensary in Egg Harbor Township, N.J.
Legislation introduced in the Delaware General Assembly would change how certain marijuana-related offenses are handled under state law.
House Bill 252, sponsored by Rep. Eric Morrison (D -District 27), would reclassify the use or consumption of a personal-use amount of marijuana or THC-containing products in public places or in a moving vehicle. Under the proposal, the offense would become a civil violation rather than a misdemeanor.
The bill would also reduce penalties. A first offense would be punishable by a fine of up to $50, while subsequent offenses could carry a fine of up to $100.
The legislation applies to controlled substances and counterfeit controlled substances listed under Section 4714(d)(19) of Title 16 of the Delaware Code, which includes marijuana and tetrahydrocannabinols.
The proposal does not affect laws related to impaired driving. Law enforcement would retain the authority to arrest and charge individuals who operate motor vehicles while under the influence of controlled substances under Title 21 of the Delaware Code.
House Bill 252 also includes a technical amendment removing a reference in a section title to a subsection that was previously repealed. It has been assigned to the Health and Human Development Committee.
93.7 WSTW is the Delaware Valley’s NEW Home for the Holidays
Your browser is out of date and potentially vulnerable to security risks.
We recommend switching to one of the following browsers: