Delaware decriminalizes 'personal use' marijuana possession

DOVER, Del., Dec. 19 (UPI) -- Delaware Gov. Jack Markell signed a law Friday decriminalizing possession of small amounts of marijuana by adults age 21 or older.

While marijuana still remains illegal in the state, the law makes possession of "personal use" amounts of marijuana, up to one ounce, a civil violation punishable by a $100 fine and no possibility of jail time. The law also decriminalizes possession of marijuana paraphernalia with a $100 civil penalty. Possession of up to an ounce was previously a misdemeanor punishable by a fine up to $575 and three months in jail.

Democratic state Rep. Helene Keeley, who championed the new law, said the change will help avert a permanent record of criminal penalties for those found in possession. Further changes to the law, including legalizing marijuana in the state, are unlikely, she said.

"Governor Markell has said that he would not sign a legalization bill so, if anything, the conversation is off the table for at least another year," she said.