The Delaware recreational marijuana application process is set to begin on Monday, August 19, marking a significant milestone for the state’s newly legalized cannabis industry. This early start allows prospective businesses to apply ahead of schedule, with the window for applications remaining open until September 30, 2024.
The Office of the Marijuana Commissioner has announced that 125 licenses will be available, distributed among cultivation facilities, product manufacturing facilities, retail stores, and testing facilities. Specifically, there will be 60 licenses for cultivation, 30 for manufacturing, 30 for retail, and five for testing. These licenses will be allocated by county and include opportunities for social equity and microbusiness applicants.
Eligible applicants will enter a lottery system overseen by the commissioner, with the lottery expected to take place in late October. The issuance of licenses is anticipated to begin in November. This process ensures a fair selection method as Delaware moves forward in establishing its recreational marijuana market.
Application Requirements
Applicants are encouraged to utilize the resources provided on the official website of the Office of the Marijuana Commissioner, which includes comprehensive guidance, a document matrix, and application templates.
All applications must include the following elements in their proposed operation plans:
- A detailed business plan, including an annual budget and financial statements.
- Safety and security plans focused on maintaining safety, security, and preventing product diversion.
- Operational, training, and staffing plans that emphasize diversity goals and a commitment to providing a safe and economically beneficial work environment.
- A regulatory history disclosure, outlining any relevant criminal, civil, or regulatory history associated with the applicant or its managing officers.
Additional requirements apply to those seeking licenses for cultivation or product manufacturing facilities:
- An environmental and sustainability plan detailing efforts to minimize environmental impact and resource use, including water conservation and organic cultivation methods.
- A quality assurance plan that provides a comprehensive outline of policies and procedures for ensuring high standards of quality control.
More than a year after the Delaware Marijuana Control Act was enacted, the state is finally ready to accept applications for marijuana business licenses. The law, which legalized adult recreational use of marijuana, also established the Office of the Marijuana Commissioner, led by law enforcement veteran Robert Coupe.
Over the past months, the OMC has been busy creating the regulatory framework necessary for the industry. Now, with the application process beginning, the state is poised to distribute licenses and ensure a regulated, safe market for recreational marijuana.
Commissioner Coupe emphasized the importance of maintaining safety, fairness, and integrity throughout the process. “We want to ensure that the products consumers receive are safe, tested, and regulated, and that the industry upholds its responsibilities,” he stated. The Delaware marijuana program aims to establish a well-regulated market that meets these high standards.
