Delaware Governor to Decide on Pathway for Medical Cannabis Companies to Enter Adult-Use Market

LOS ANGELES- Delaware Governor John Carney, who previously opposed adult-use cannabis legalization, now faces the decision of whether to allow the state’s medical cannabis companies to transition into the forthcoming adult-use market. The General Assembly recently passed House Bill 408, which aims to create temporary conversion licenses for existing Medical Marijuana Compassion Centers to operate for adult-use purposes.

The bill, passed with significant support from both legislative chambers, establishes fees for medical cannabis licensees to transition to adult use. The conversion fees will fund financial assistance for social equity applicants. The state plans to start issuing these conversion licenses in August 2024, with the first sales projected for April 2025.

Provisions ensure that medical cannabis operations will continue to serve patients, maintaining product availability and prioritizing medical needs. The goal is to leverage the established infrastructure of existing medical cannabis businesses to support a smooth transition into the adult-use market while protecting medical cannabis patients and promoting social equity in the industry.

Delaware Officials Warn of Scams Targeting Social Equity Cannabis Applicants

Delaware’s Office of the Marijuana Commissioner (OMC) has issued a warning about scams targeting potential social equity cannabis applicants. Out-of-state entities have been contacting these individuals, attempting to deceive them into paying fees to secure adult-use cannabis licenses. The OMC advises applicants to avoid upfront fees, be wary of unsolicited offers, and seek information from official sources. The state Department of Justice and Division of Alcohol and Tobacco Enforcement will investigate reported scams. Similar warnings have been issued in other states as the cannabis industry continues to grow.