Delaware Approves Emergency Dispensary Delivery Rules

Delaware medical cannabis dispensaries will soon be able to deliver to patients amid the coronavirus outbreak as regulators are crafting emergency rules to allow the service.

The Delaware chapter of NORML broke the news last week and licensed provider Columbia Care said they would be the first in the state to offer the service to patients and designated caregivers who are registered with the company and live within a 30-mile radius from the dispensary.

Columbia Care said the company is following U.S. Centers for Disease Control guidelines to protect patients and staff to limit the spread of the virus, including sanitation of the stores and equipment, a heightened focus on staff hygiene and the use of protective gear, and a requirement that staff displaying or reporting symptoms must stay home.

NORML said the changes were needed as some patients may not drive and many don’t have an authorized caregiver to pick up their medicine for them.

“Ordering online with pick up options isn’t enough when a vast majority of patients are now homebound with little resources to facilitate those services. Medical patients are the most at risk and we should be doing everything we can to ensure their safety.” – Delaware NORML blog post, April 3, 2020

The state Department of Health and Social Services is also accepting patient and caregiver applications by mail during the pandemic.

According to Delaware Emergency Management Agency data, the state has reported 783 confirmed coronavirus cases and 15 deaths.