This week, a bill decriminalizing the possession and use of small amounts of marijuana takes effect in Delaware – and with it comes questions. Here is what you need to know:

When does marijuana decriminalization begin? The law takes effect at 12:01 a.m. on Friday – exactly six months after Gov. Jack Markell signed House Bill 39 into law.

What does the legislation mean? Anyone 21 and older can possess up to one ounce of leaf marijuana and use the drug privately without facing criminal sanctions. The penalty for possession will be a $100 civil penalty – with no threat of jail time, arrest or a criminal record.

What if I’m under 21? Marijuana possession will remain a criminal offense for anyone under 18. Anyone between age 18 and 21 will face criminal penalties only if it is his or her second or subsequent offense. In these cases, a person will also be allowed to petition for expungement from his or her record after age 21, as long as no other offenses have been committed. [Read more at the Wilmington News-Journal]