Sussex County, De –A new bill introduced by Delaware State Senator Trey Paradee seeks to ease restrictions on the operation of marijuana establishments, potentially overriding local county ordinances. Senate Bill 75, introduced last week, aims to reduce the limitations a county like Sussex can impose on marijuana businesses. Specifically, the bill would allow medical marijuana compassion centers with conversion licenses to operate retail marijuana stores as non-conforming uses in their areas. Sussex County, in May 2024, passed a restrictive ordinance limiting retail marijuana stores to only C-3 heavy commercial districts. It also set a 3-mile radius restriction from other retail marijuana stores, churches, schools, and substance abuse treatment centers. The County Council, while acknowledging the necessity of such facilities, passed the ordinance in an effort to control the number and location of marijuana establishments. However, if Senate Bill 75 is passed, Sussex County’s restrictions could be overruled. The bill would permit retail marijuana stores to open as close as half a mile from another store, and as close as 500 feet from churches, schools, licensed childcare centers, and other similar locations. Senate Bill 75 would also take precedence over all current and future county-level marijuana regulations. The bill is now awaiting a hearing in the Senate Elections & Government Affairs Committee.
