Delaware Opens Application Process For Legal Weed Businesses Ahead Of Schedule

Weeks before Gov. John Carney gave the green light to three cannabis-related measures, Delaware is set to kick off its recreational marijuana program earlier than expected, and will accept applications beginning August 19. As reported by Delaware Online, the application window, initially scheduled for later in the month, will now run through September 30, 2024, giving potential business owners a head start in the legal cannabis industry.

License Categories And Availability

The state's Office of the Marijuana Commissioner (OMC) announced that the application process will cover all aspects of the recreational cannabis market, including cultivation, product manufacturing, retail and testing. A total of 125 licenses will be available, distributed across three categories: 60 for cultivation facilities, 30 for product manufacturing facilities, 30 for retail stores, and five for testing facilities. Special consideration will be given to social equity applicants and micro-businesses, with licenses allocated by county. 

Application Requirements And Support

To support the application process, the OMC is providing resources on its website, including detailed guidance, application templates, and a document matrix. Applicants must submit comprehensive operation plans, including a business plan with financial statements, safety and security protocols, diversity and staffing plans, and a regulatory history disclosure.

For those applying for cultivation or product manufacturing licenses, additional requirements include an environmental sustainability plan and a quality assurance plan, ensuring that operations are both eco-friendly and meet high-quality standards.

License Issuance Timeline

Prospective applicants will enter a lottery system, with selections expected to be made in late October. Licenses will then be issued starting in November.