Adult-use Cannabis Now for Sale Legally in Delaware

Legal adult-use cannabis sales have begun in Delaware. Adults aged 21 and over can now legally purchase recreational marijuana and marijuana products from licensed cannabis retailers. The initial phase of adult-use cannabis sales is being implemented by a select group of existing medical marijuana compassion centers that have successfully transitioned into the combined medical and adult-use cannabis market.  There are 12 locations statewide where you can legally purchase cannabis and cannabis products.  In Sussex County they are located in Lewes, Rehoboth Beach, Georgetown and Frankford.  

A reminder from the Delaware State Police – while adult-use marijuana sales are now legal, driving under the influence is still illegal and dangerous.

What is “adult-use” personal use quantity of cannabis – An individual 21 years of age or older, may possess up to the “personal use quantity” which is defined as 1 ounce or less of marijuana in the form of leaf marijuana , up to 12 grams concentrated cannabis, or cannabis products containing 750 milligrams or less of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (as defined in HB1).  CLICK HERE FOR FAQs

Additional information from the Office of the Marijuana Commissioner:

These conversions represent a critical first step in the phased implementation of the state’s comprehensive, regulated cannabis program—designed to prioritize public health, equity, and regulatory compliance.

“Today’s launch of adult-use cannabis sales by Delaware’s existing medical operators is an important milestone in the rollout of the state’s regulated cannabis market,” said Commissioner Joshua Sanderlin. “We’re grateful to all who have worked hard to make this moment possible and remain focused on bringing additional licensees online in the months ahead.”

Under the regulatory framework established by Delaware’s Marijuana Control Act and the Office of the Marijuana Commissioner (OMC), medical marijuana compassion centers that obtained conversion licenses are now authorized to engage in adult-use cannabis sales. Additional licensees—including cultivators, product manufacturers, retail facilities, and testing laboratories—are expected to become operational in the coming months as the state continues its rollout of the adult-use market. New licensees will support both medical patients and adult-use consumers in a combined medical and adult-use cannabis market.

Adult-use sales are possible thanks to landmark legislation passed in 2023, which legalizes cannabis for adults and creates Delaware’s regulatory structure. The legislation prioritizes public health, accountability, and social equity, and after extensive public input, OMC finalized a comprehensive set of regulations published in September 2024.

The conversion license process provided a critical jumpstart to the market by allowing sales to adult-use consumers to begin through Delaware’s existing cannabis retailers, while also generating $4 million in funding for start-up grants supporting social equity licensees. OMC received over 1,200 license applications during the 2024 application period, with 125 licenses awarded through a public lottery in December. OMC continues to issue conditional and active licenses to those lottery winners on a rolling basis, as background checks are completed, and licensees complete all regulatory requirements and pass final inspections.

“The OMC has worked closely with our medical marijuana operators to ensure a smooth transition to the adult-use market,” said Deputy Commissioner Paul Hyland. “Their ability to convert licenses has been instrumental in fast-tracking this launch. As more licensees join in the coming months, we will continue to focus on expanding access responsibly and fostering the growth of a strong and diverse marijuana industry in Delaware.”

Consumers are reminded that only purchases from licensed retailers are legal and regulated under state law. A full list of authorized locations and safety guidelines can be found at omc.delaware.gov.