Just Released! Get realistic market forecasts, state-by-state insights and benchmarks with the new 2024 MJBiz Factbook member program, now with quarterly updates. Make informed decisions.
Existing medical marijuana businesses in Delaware will be allowed to convert to adult-use sales under a bill signed into law by the governor.
Conversion licenses will cost $200,000, but they’ll allow recreational cannabis sales to begin in the state in time for a promised 2025 launch date, Delaware Business Now reported.
That goal already represents a delay.
November 2024 was set as the initial launch date when Gov. Jay Carney allowed adult-use legislation to become law last year.
Initially, state Marijuana Commissioner Robert Coupe was reluctant to allow the state’s existing 13 MMJ dispensaries to convert to adult use over supply-chain fears.
Critics said that allowing MMJ companies to convert to adult use would harm small businesses and discourage minority operators from entering the industry, Newark-based Delaware Business Now noted.
Existing operators include New York-based marijuana multistate operator The Cannabist Co., which has three locations in Delaware.
License applications for other would-be entrants are supposed to be available by this fall.
There are only roughly 27,000 MMJ patients in Delaware, according to state data.
