The marijuana reform movement has reached Delaware.

Lawmakers will consider the intermediate step of decriminalization next year following the legalization of pot in Oregon, Alaska and Washington D.C.

Legislation drafted by Rep. Helene Keeley, D-Wilmington, would replace criminal penalties for possession of small amounts of marijuana, with fines similar to those for speeding or running a red light.

And national pot activists are hoping Delaware won’t stop there.

It is one of a dozen states being targeted for reform by the Marijuana Policy Project, where officials predict that full legalization – taxing and regulating sales of the drug – is possible by 2017.

The group, optimistic after a September University of Delaware survey showed 56 percent of Delaware residents support legalization, has hired a lobbyist and plans to mobilize supporters to contact Delaware lawmakers early next year. [Read More]