Attorney and cannabis policy expert Kate Bell to hold media availability after to respond to opponents’ claims.
DOVER, Del. — The task force created by the Delaware Legislature to study the best way for the state to regulate and tax cannabis for adults’ use will hold a meeting on Wednesday in the State Capitol Legislative Hall at 9:30 a.m. ET. The meeting will focus on the criminal justice implications of regulating cannabis.
The task force will consider the potential impacts on traffic safety and driving under the influence. Only members of the task force will be allowed to present, although there will be a brief public comment period. A task force member representing AAA — which is opposed to regulating marijuana for adults — is expected to make a presentation. Because the Marijuana Policy Project will be unable to provide a detailed response during the meeting, it will do so immediately following the task force meeting.
“The available data suggests that allowing adults to consume cannabis legally does not increase traffic fatalities per millions of miles driven, even though more drivers may test positive for past cannabis consumption,” said Kate Bell, legislative counsel for the Marijuana Policy Project. “Delaware’s bill to tax and regulate marijuana should include public education to discourage people from driving under the influence of marijuana — just as many states are doing to discourage texting while driving. However, it is important for Delaware to keep this issue in perspective as the state moves toward more sensible marijuana policies.”
Immediately following the meeting, Kate Bell will be available to speak to the media directly outside the House Majority Hearing Room, and will provide additional information that could not be presented during public comment.
WHAT: Meeting of task force created by the Legislature to study how Delaware can regulate cannabis for adults and the potential impact on criminal justice issues
WHEN: Wednesday, December 6, 2017, 9:30 a.m. ET; media availability following meeting (approximately 11:30 a.m. ET)
WHERE: State Capitol Legislative Hall, House Majority Hearing Room (H217), 411 Legislative Ave., Dover
WHO: Delaware Adult Use Cannabis Task Force
Kate Bell, Esq., Marijuana Policy Project
