Delaware — Delaware’s long-anticipated recreational marijuana market officially opens tomorrow, August 1, marking a major milestone in the state’s cannabis legalization efforts. The initial phase allows the state’s 13 existing medical marijuana dispensaries to begin adult-use sales under conversion licenses, while newly licensed recreational-only retailers continue their approval process.
Governor Matt Meyer praised the launch as a critical step toward building a regulated cannabis market that prioritizes safety, equity, and economic opportunity for Delawareans. The industry is projected to generate significant tax revenue to support schools, infrastructure, public health, and social equity initiatives. Sales will be subject to a 15% excise tax and prices at adult-use dispensaries are expected to align with current medical marijuana rates. While medical dispensaries start selling recreational cannabis immediately, other recreational businesses remain in the pipeline, with officials aiming to issue all conditional licenses by the end of the summer. Delaware’s cannabis program includes robust regulations finalized last year, setting licensing requirements and operational standards to ensure product quality, consumer safety, and market accountability.
To support industry growth, Delaware Technical Community College has also launched a cannabis industry training program to equip workers with skills suited to cultivation, manufacturing, testing, and retail. The rollout aims to capture demand from residents currently purchasing cannabis in neighboring states, establish legal protections for consumers, and foster a sustainable and equitable cannabis market.
