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Weed is legal in Delaware. Here’s how to get in on the business opportunity

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5 months ago

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Weed is legal in Delaware. Here’s how to get in on the business opportunity

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The First State is full steam ahead with launching its first recreational marijuana stores early next year.

But do you know how to get in on the business?

The Delaware Office of the Marijuana Commissioner will begin accepting applications for all licenses in September, which includes those applying for licenses through the state’s social equity program.

In June, the marijuana commissioner’s office launched an interactive map to help Delawareans determine whether they may qualify for the social equity program. It also held a series of workshops across the state to bring people up to speed on how the program works and what resources are available to those who qualify.

Of course, you can also apply through the First State’s standard application process.

WHEN WILL STORES OPEN?: Delaware is on track for starting recreational weed sales

Delaware became the 22nd state to legalize recreational marijuana last year (there are now 24 states that have legalized adult-use weed). Since then, Delaware has been building the infrastructure necessary to launch the recreational program.

The First State has had a medical marijuana program since 2015, which also saw changes to its program this year.

Where will cannabis operations be allowed in Delaware?

Jurisdictions across the state are preparing to adopt marijuana business regulations, and so far, they’ve sought to oppose operations by whatever means available.

While municipalities can ban such facilities, counties can only regulate them by limiting which zoning districts they can be built in and other land-related laws.

And in May, Sussex County staff proposed an ordinance to do just that.

Even prior to that, before the commissioner’s office had really gotten up and running, beach towns had banned marijuana operations.

COMMUNITIES OPPOSE LEGAL WEED: Beaches act first as Delaware towns consider marijuana regulations before stores arrive

Delaware’s marijuana commissioner has also held presentations and meetings with communities throughout the state to help lawmakers, law enforcement and other government entities understand the realities of legal weed.

A key component of Commissioner Rob Coupe’s conversations is explaining that marijuana is legal for consumption now, along with explaining the differences between the illegal street market and the regulated industry. He noted that resistance was particularly strong in Sussex County.

“What I point out to them is that the regulated market, what makes it significantly different, is that it’s tested. It’s regulated. It’s tested for safety, for quality,” he said. “The consumer gets that information. What’s being used on the street, at the end of the day, you really don’t know what’s in it.”

Anticipated timeline to legal weed in Delaware

  • Sept. 1: The state will begin accepting license applications.
  • Nov. 1: The state will begin issuing 60 cultivation facility licenses.
  • Dec. 1: The state will begin issuing 30 manufacturing facility licenses.
  • March 1, 2025: The state will begin issuing 30 retail store licenses and five testing facility licenses.
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