DOVER — A coalition of activists launched a petition Monday in an effort to legalize marijuana.
The release comes the same day as a survey published by the University of Delaware said 61 percent of Delaware voters support legalizing the drug and less than a week after Sen. Margaret Rose Henry, D-Wilmington, revealed she intends to bring legislation next year to make cannabis legal.
Supporters hope to gain 25,000 signatures by January and present the names to the General Assembly, with the goal of getting marijuana legalized in 2017.
Those interested in signing the petition can do so at DelawarePetition.com.
“It’s critical that we get people talking about ending cannabis prohibition in the days leading up to the election,” petition founder Sam Chick said in a statement. “Politicians are much better at listening when an election is right around the corner. So sign the petition, then contact your local legislators to let them know that you expect them to support legalization too.”
Republican gubernatorial nominee Colin Bonini supports legalizing marijuana, while Democratic nominee John Carney is not in favor.
“People are ready for change and ready for an end to cannabis prohibition,” Zoe Patchell, co-founder of the Cannabis Bureau of Delaware, said in a statement.
Delaware decriminalized marijuana last year. Four states have legalized cannabis.