Delaware cannabis businesses can now apply to transfer licenses between three counties in the state.
According to Spotlight Delaware, the policy change aims to start selling in new markets that opened last month and gives businesses a flexibility to relocate from heavily regulated areas to more favorable locations.
State marijuana commissioner Joshua Sanderlin’s recent decision overturned regulations set by his predecessor and responded to strict local regulations imposed by Sussex County and its municipalities last year.
In addition to existing medical cannabis operators, the limited-capacity guarantee market has issued 125 licenses in addition to existing medical cannabis operators.
These permits were originally related to regulations set by former Commissioner Rob Boupe.
The goal is to ensure applicants in all areas of Delaware have the opportunity to obtain a license.
But in places like Sussex County, these rules limit cannabis retailers to some remote areas.
Sanderlin is a former cannabis department attorney and consultant who understands the challenges of starting a cannabis business.
“That’s a point I want to make…’Yes, we are your regulator, but we are also working as partners here,” Sandlin said.
In June, state lawmakers tried to curb county regulation of marijuana business by passing Senate Bill 75.
But Democratic Governor Matt Meyer vetoed the bill in August, believing it undermined “local land use authority without providing any corresponding partnership or support.”
Sandlin said his decision to allow the licensing transfer was not a reaction to Meyer’s veto.
Instead, it is driven by a request from a license holder seeking to relocate its operations.
Adult marijuana sales exceeded $7.3 million in August, the first month of entertainment sales in the state.
This is one of two markets to be launched in 2025. Non-tribal adult marijuana sales began last week in Minnesota.
