Delaware to Begin Accepting Adult-Use Cannabis Industry Applications August 19

Delaware officials will begin accepting adult-use cannabis license applications next week, Monday, August 19, Delaware Public Media reports. Once an application is deemed eligible, it will be put into a lottery set to take place in October.  

Under the state’s adult-use law, the state will award 60 cultivation licenses, 30 manufacturing licenses, 30 retail licenses, and 5 testing facility licenses. Applications are required to include a comprehensive business plan, safety and security plans, operations, training, and staffing plans, and whether the applicant has any criminal, civil, or regulatory experience. 

A portion of each license category is designated for micro license applicants and 47 for social equity applicants. The state has already conducted and closed the pre-screening process for social equity applicants but is still accepting applications from applicants who believe they would qualify for a social equity license under the state’s definitions. The state has earmarked $6.2 million for social equity applicants, including $4.2 million from industry application fees and another $2 million allocated by state lawmakers.  

The Office of the Marijuana Commissioner plans to begin awarding cultivation and manufacturing licenses before the end of the year with retail and testing licenses expected by early next year.  

Delaware legalized cannabis for adult use last year.