DOVER, Del. – Delaware marijuana advocates are raising concerns over significant delays in the launch of recreational cannabis sales. These delays, according to the Delaware Cannabis Advocacy Network, are linked to incomplete background checks for the approximately 120 applicants selected in the state’s marijuana licensing lottery.
Rob Coupe, the former Delaware Marijuana Commissioner, revealed in January that the background checks for the selected applicants had not been finalized, which has caused a delay in the licensing process. The news was shared during a Delaware Marijuana Control Act Oversight Committee meeting.
Zoë Patchell, executive director of the Delaware Cannabis Advocacy Network and Kent County’s appointee to the oversight committee, expressed concerns during the meeting, seeking clarification on the delays. Advocates fear that the delay may result in medical dispensaries being the first to begin recreational sales, which they argue would unfairly benefit larger businesses and undermine the bill’s original intent to foster a competitive market for small businesses.
“We are calling for urgent action to address these delays and ensure a level playing field for all businesses, big or small,” Patchell said. She emphasized that the intention of the legislation was for new businesses to have the opportunity to compete alongside larger corporate entities.
The advocates have questioned why the background check process wasn’t initiated sooner and when the applicants could expect their licenses to be granted. As of now, no answers were provided during the committee meeting. Patchell expressed concern that these delays threaten the intended timeline for businesses to grow crops for spring sales.