DOVER, Del. (1 July 2025) – Delaware will start legal adult-use cannabis sales on August 1, 2020, marking an important milestone in the First State’s cannabis legalization effort. According to the Office of the Marijuana Commissioner, all licensed medical marijuana converts can begin recreational sales August 1.
Joshua Sanderlin, the new Marijuana Commission, said: “The beginning of legal adult-use cannabis sales is a reflection of our tireless efforts and strong partnerships with State agencies, industry stakeholder and community leaders.” “Our focus is to build a safe, fair, and accountable market for marijuana that provides real benefits for Delawareans.” We will continue to grant conditional licenses for previously selected applicants in order to make sure they can start operations.
Delaware passed legislation in 2023 legalizing recreational marijuana for adults and creating a comprehensive system that includes cultivators, manufacturers and retailers as well as testing laboratories. The focus was on applicants who were based on social equity. The law also established the Office of the Marijuana Commission to oversee the program, and create a robust regulatory structure. The proposed regulations were published in May 2024, and the finalized regulations in September 2024 following two rounds of public comments. The regulations of the Office Marijuana commissioner define licensing requirements for the industry and operational standards.
The launch of a legal market for adult-use cannabis in Delaware, which prioritizes safety, equity and accountability, is a significant step forward. This new industry will create real opportunities for entrepreneurs, as well as generate vital revenue to support our schools, public health systems and infrastructure. The revenue generated by this market will also allow us to invest in communities that have been most affected by the drug war, correcting past wrongs, and making sure the benefits reach all corners of the state. I’m proud that we are moving quickly and carefully to create a cannabis industry that reflects our values, and provides more opportunities for all Delawareans .”
The General Assembly passed additional measures in 2024 to strengthen Delaware’s program. House Bill 334 expanded the program parameters, while House Bill 408 created a transition path for medical marijuana businesses to enter the adult-use market. The licenses were expensive, costing $200,000 for cultivation and $100 for manufacturing or retail. This resulted to $4 million of critical funding for social equity applicants.
OMC has announced that it will receive 1,269 licenses paid for during the period of August 19 to September 30 in October 2024. This is a substantial increase over its original projections.
OMC will announce the winners of its lottery for 125 licenses available in December 2024.
OMC is committed to creating a market for adult-use marijuana in Delaware that is well-regulated, compliant and fair. As implementation progresses, we will provide more updates.
