The Global Cannabis March took place May 3 in Rehoboth Beach. It was the 11th time for the rally on the Boardwalk and Bandstand.
As a grassroots organization, the Delaware Cannabis Advocacy Network has the interest of the people first and foremost. We are concerned about the zoning decisions in Sussex County relating to adult-use cannabis dispensary locations.
What follows is a speech I gave at the rally:
“The people of Delaware spoke. Our state legislators listened. Together, we made history by passing a law that legalizes cannabis. And we did that with the full intent of creating an entirely new industry. But today, we are being played.
“In Sussex County, despite the intent of the law being clear and it being the will of the people, municipalities like Rehoboth Beach, Dewey Beach and Millsboro, to name a few, are using zoning regulations to effectively nullify cannabis legalization. Through ridiculous restrictions and strategic zoning barriers, our local officials are deliberately closing the door that the people of Delaware opened. By this denial, they are making a mockery of the democratic process.
“This is not just a zoning issue; it is a democratic issue. It is a matter of whether the voice of the people – and the legislative process – can be subverted by the embarrassing hesitation of the county, cities and towns of Delaware. Let me be clear, local control does not mean local override. State law is not a suggestion.
“This is not about being pro- or anti-cannabis anymore. That debate is over. This is about transparency. This is about fairness. And this is about whether local governments will serve the people or continuously silence us. I call on our county officials today to revisit these zoning decisions. This isn’t just a policy; it's a law and a promise. A promise made to the people of Delaware. Are we going to let them break that promise? No. It's important to keep the pressure on our elected officials. It's important to contact them and express your frustration at the delays.”
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