Why would a governor sign a law and then endlessly delay implementation of that law? Medicinal marijuana is still illegal and difficult to obtain in Delaware despite voter approval more than four years ago to make it legal. As a result, dispensaries have been delayed within the morass of confusion. This has forced many people who need medical marijuana to treat chronic pain and other conditions to buy the drug illegally. Delaware was the 16th state to legalize medical marijuana and trends throughout the country point to growing acceptance of the drug especially for people who use it to curb symptoms of illness or injury. Even for people in Delaware who have prescriptions for marijuana, they have few options for purchasing this medicine.
Since there are not yet any approved medical marijuana dispensaries, patients are forced to seek out marijuana on the street from unregulated sources. Though marijuana is still illegal according to the federal government, President Obama has defunded efforts that would combat states' own medical marijuana laws. The state, however, still has the option to prosecute. Perhaps it is time for Delaware to move into the 21st century regarding this issue rather than treating people in need of special medical treatment as criminals.