Delaware will become the 22nd US state to launch a regulated adult-use cannabis market when retail sales begin on 1 August, state officials have confirmed.
The Office of the Marijuana Commissioner (OMC) announced that the state’s 13 existing medical cannabis dispensaries, known as compassion centers, will be the first to serve adult-use customers aged 21 and over, under a ‘first-mover’ arrangement designed to accelerate the rollout.
The launch comes more than two years after former Governor John Carney allowed adult-use legislation to become law without his signature in April 2023.
Since then, the state has finalised regulations, issued 125 conditional licences through lotteries, and overcome key legal and logistical hurdles to open the market.
Initially, the 2023 legislation legalising adult-use cannabis did not provide a route for existing medical cannabis operators to enter the new market.
However, follow-up legislation passed in 2024 allowed medical licensees to convert provided they paid significant fees: $200,000 for cultivators and $100,000 for retailers or manufacturers. These funds helped establish a $4 million support programme for social equity applicants.
Governor Matt Meyer, who signed the follow-up bill into law, described the programme as a step towards repairing historic injustices.
“This new industry will generate critical revenue to strengthen our schools, infrastructure and public health systems. We’re moving quickly and thoughtfully to build a cannabis market that reflects our values and expands opportunity for every Delawarean,” he said.
Sales will be subject to a 15% excise tax, with projections suggesting the market could generate $160 million in sales by the end of 2026 and up to $40 million annually in tax revenue.
The launch follows several setbacks. A planned March 2025 rollout was delayed when the FBI declined the state’s request for a fingerprint background check code, stalling the licensing process for new applicants. Governor Meyer later signed legislation aligning state law with FBI standards, resolving the impasse.
OMC Commissioner Joshua Sanderlin, who was appointed in April 2025, praised the progress made.
“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,” he said.
The OMC has pledged to continue issuing conditional licences, including those awarded to 30 new dispensaries, half of which are reserved for social equity applicants.
The post Delaware to Launch Recreational Cannabis Sales on 1 August appeared first on Business of Cannabis.
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The Office of the Marijuana Commissioner (OMC) announced that the state’s 13 existing medical cannabis dispensaries, known as compassion centers, will be the first to serve adult-use customers aged 21 and over, under a ‘first-mover’ arrangement designed to accelerate the rollout.
The launch comes more than two years after former Governor John Carney allowed adult-use legislation to become law without his signature in April 2023.
Since then, the state has finalised regulations, issued 125 conditional licences through lotteries, and overcome key legal and logistical hurdles to open the market.
Initially, the 2023 legislation legalising adult-use cannabis did not provide a route for existing medical cannabis operators to enter the new market.
However, follow-up legislation passed in 2024 allowed medical licensees to convert provided they paid significant fees: $200,000 for cultivators and $100,000 for retailers or manufacturers. These funds helped establish a $4 million support programme for social equity applicants.
Governor Matt Meyer, who signed the follow-up bill into law, described the programme as a step towards repairing historic injustices.
“This new industry will generate critical revenue to strengthen our schools, infrastructure and public health systems. We’re moving quickly and thoughtfully to build a cannabis market that reflects our values and expands opportunity for every Delawarean,” he said.
Sales will be subject to a 15% excise tax, with projections suggesting the market could generate $160 million in sales by the end of 2026 and up to $40 million annually in tax revenue.
The launch follows several setbacks. A planned March 2025 rollout was delayed when the FBI declined the state’s request for a fingerprint background check code, stalling the licensing process for new applicants. Governor Meyer later signed legislation aligning state law with FBI standards, resolving the impasse.
OMC Commissioner Joshua Sanderlin, who was appointed in April 2025, praised the progress made.
“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,” he said.
The OMC has pledged to continue issuing conditional licences, including those awarded to 30 new dispensaries, half of which are reserved for social equity applicants.
The post Delaware to Launch Recreational Cannabis Sales on 1 August appeared first on Business of Cannabis.
Continue reading...
