Delaware Announces Legal Cannabis Retail Sales Launch Date

Delaware state officials on Tuesday announced that regulated sales of recreational cannabis will begin in the state next month. The state Office of the Marijuana Commissioner announced that existing medical marijuana conversion licensees can begin selling adult-use cannabis on August 1, more than two years after the state legalized recreational weed for adults.

Delaware legalized recreational marijuana and regulated and taxed sales of adult-use cannabis with the passage of two bills in 2023. The legislation went into effect in July of that year, with retail sales slated to begin after regulations were adopted and retailers were licensed.

Last year, former Delaware Gov. John Carney signed legislation to allow the state’s existing medical cannabis operators to begin selling recreational marijuana on an expedited basis, according to a report from Marijuana Moment. Regulated sales were previously expected to begin in March of this year, but the launch was delayed while the state resolved complications over securing fingerprint background check services from the FBI.

“Delaware has taken a major step forward by launching a legal adult-use cannabis market that prioritizes equity, safety, and accountability,” Gov. Matt Meyer, who replaced Carney in January, said in a Tuesday statement announcing the launch.

“This new industry will generate critical revenue to strengthen our schools, infrastructure, and public health systems, while creating real opportunities for entrepreneurs,” the governor continued. “This revenue also gives us a powerful tool to invest in the communities most impacted by the war on drugs, addressing past wrongs and ensuring that the benefits of this new market reach every corner of our state. I’m proud we’re moving quickly and thoughtfully to build a cannabis market that reflects our values and expands opportunity for every Delawarean.”

State Tallied More Than 1,200 Applications For Cannabis Business Licenses

In October, the Office of the Marijuana Commissioner (OMC) announced that it had received 1,269 applications for marijuana licenses during a six-week window that began on August 19, 2024. In December, the agency announced the applicants who had been selected for the 125 marijuana business licenses the state plans to issue.

“The start of legal adult-use marijuana sales reflects the tireless efforts of our regulatory team and our strong partnerships with state agencies, industry stakeholders, and community leaders,” Marijuana Commissioner Joshua Sanderlin said in a statement. “Our focus is on building a safe, equitable, and accountable marijuana market that delivers real benefits to Delawareans. We will continue to issue conditional licenses to previously selected applicants to ensure they can begin operations once active.”