Two Wilmington legislators will announce a bill that would legalize and tax marijuana for recreational use.
Rep. Helene Keeley and state Sen. Margaret Rose Henry, both Democrats, will make an announcement at 12:45 p.m. in Legislative Hall in Dover.
The bill had been widely expected since Henry has expressed support for legalization for some time.
It is expected that an individual, under the law, would not be able to possess large amounts of the drug, with production controlled by the state.
The press conference also comes as Gov. John Carney addresses legislators, with the main topic expected to be a budget shortfall that has moved to just south of $400 million.
Proponents of legalization are likely to argue that taxes on legalization could ease that shortfall.
The fate of the bill in Dover is uncertain, with the General Assembly heavily represented by individuals with ties to law enforcement.
At the same time, conservative State Sen. Colin Bonini, R-Dover unsuccessfully ran for governor last year and seemed to endorse legalization. legalizing the drug.
Current Gov. John Carney has not yet taken a formal position. His predecessor Jack Markell said a law would not be enacted while he served as governor.
Recreational marijuana is now legal in California, Nevada, Maine, Massachusetts, Alaska, Oregon, Washington, Colorado and Washington, D.C
Meanwhile, federal policy toward legalization remains uncertain, with current Attorney General Jeff Sessions an outspoken foe of legalization.
An opponent of legalization in his state is University of Delaware grad and New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie. Christie, who has launched a campaign for help and treatment of those addicted to opioids, sees marijuana as a gateway drug.
Medical marijuana is now available in Delaware, with the state authorizing two more centers in Kent and Sussex County.
Medical marijuana is grown at the First State Compassion Center, located near Wilmington.
Meanwhile, Maryland and Pennsylvania are setting up their medical marijuana systems.
