DOVER, Del. Delaware is making history today as adult-use cannabis legal sales begin in the First State. Adults aged 21 or over will be able to legally buy recreational marijuana from licensed cannabis retailers starting this morning. This marks a significant milestone in Delaware’s legalization efforts.
A select group of Delaware’s existing medical marijuana compassionate centers are implementing the initial phase of adult use cannabis sales. These centers have successfully transitioned to the combined medical-and adult-use market. These conversions are a crucial first step in the state’s phased implementation of its comprehensive, regulated, cannabis program, designed to prioritize public safety, equity, regulatory compliance, and health.
Joshua Sanderlin said that ” The launch of adult-use marijuana sales by Delaware’s existing medical operators marks an important milestone in Delaware’s rollout of its regulated cannabis market.” ” Thank you to everyone who has worked so hard to bring this moment to fruition. We will continue to work to bring additional licensees on line in the months to come.
According to the legal framework set forth by the Office of the Marijuana Commissioner and Delaware’s Marijuana Control Act, medical marijuana compassion centres that have obtained conversion licenses can now engage in adult-use cannabis sale. In the months to come, the state will continue its adult-use market rollout. Additional licensees, including cultivators, manufacturers of products, retail facilities and testing labs, are expected to be operational. In a combined market for medical cannabis and adult-use, new licensees are expected to support both adult-use and medical consumers.
The landmark legislation that was passed in Delaware 2023 legalized cannabis for adults. It also created the regulatory structure. The legislation places a high priority on public health, social equity and accountability. After extensive public consultation, OMC published a comprehensive set regulations in September 2024.
The conversion license provided a crucial jumpstart to market, allowing adult-use cannabis to be sold through Delaware’s existing retailers. 4 million dollars in funding was also generated for grants to support social equity licensees. OMC received more than 1,200 applications for the 2024 application, and 125 licenses were awarded in a December public lottery. OMC continues to grant conditional and active licences to lottery winners as background checks and regulatory requirements are completed and final inspections are passed.
” OMC worked closely with medical marijuana operators to ensure that the transition to adult-use was smooth,” said deputy commissioner Paul Hyland. Their ability to convert licenses was instrumental in speeding up this launch. We will continue to work on expanding access responsibly as more licensees come aboard in the months ahead.
Consumers should be reminded that only purchases made from licensed retailers will be legal and regulated by state law. A full list of authorized locations and safety guidelines can be found at www.omc.delaware.gov.
For all press inquiries, please contact:John PetersenChief of Community RelationsDelaware Department of Safety & Homeland SecurityOffice: 302-744-2686Email: john.petersen@delaware.gov
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