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Delaware to become 20th state to decriminalize marijuana

  1. Delaware Gov. Jack Markell (D) on Thursday night signed a bill into law removing criminal penalties and potential jail time for the possession of small amounts of marijuana.
  2. Delaware will be the 20th state in the country to decriminalize marijuana when the law takes effect in six months, according to the Marijuana Policy Project.
  3. Possession of up to one ounce of marijuana by adults will be punishable by up to $100 and no jail time, down from a maximum $575 fine and up to three months in jail. Growing, selling, and trafficking marijuana remain illegal.
  4. Marijuana is currently legalized in four states — Colorado, Washington, Alaska, and Oregon — and Washington, DC. It is legal for medical purposes in 23 states, including Delaware.