##Delaware governor Jack Markell has signed into law a bill decriminalising possession and private use of small amounts of marijuana// The move follows the lead of nearly 20 states that have eased penalties for personal consumption, state media reported on Thursday// Individuals in Delware will be allowed to possess up to an ounce of marijuana, and to use it privately without facing criminal sanctions// Police could still confiscate the drug, according to Delaware Online, the News Journal//
##The statute also will reduce the penalty for using marijuana in a public place to a $100 civil fine// Under previous Delaware law, simple marijuana possession was a misdemeanor punishable by up to six months in jail and a maximum fine of $1,150// The law will take effect in six months’ time// Markell, a Democrat, signed the measure almost immediately after the state senate, voting along party lines, gave it final legislative approval//
##According to the Journal, the Democratic backed bill cleared the state legislature without a single Republican vote in either the house or senate// Not counting Delaware, 17 states have passed laws to decriminalise personal marijuana use and possession in small amounts, according to the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws, a lobbying group// Delaware is one of 23 states, along with the District of Columbia, that allow the use of pot for medical reasons// Voters in Colorado, Washington state, Oregon, Alaska and Washington DC have approved ballot measures legalising cannabis for adult recreational use//
