Delaware Senate Committee Advances Bill to Allow Medical Marijuana Dispensaries to Sell Recreational Cannabis
A Delaware Senate committee has approved a bill that would allow existing medical marijuana dispensaries to begin selling recreational cannabis, potentially months earlier than planned. The legislation aims to address funding issues for social equity-owned cannabis businesses and provide a pathway for existing medical marijuana providers to convert to dual-use licensees.
Under the bill, medical marijuana businesses would be able to apply for a “conversion license” that would allow them to serve both registered patients and adults over 21. The fees from these license conversions, estimated to bring in over $4 million, would be used to provide financial assistance to social equity-owned cannabis businesses.
Critics of the bill argue that it would give an unfair market advantage to larger, more dominant businesses already operating in multiple states. They claim that the legislation would prioritize corporate interests over social equity and medical access.
However, proponents of the bill argue that it would provide a much-needed boost to the state’s social equity program and help to address the lack of regulated adult-use access in the state. They also point out that the bill would allow existing medical marijuana businesses to provide product to social equity-owned retail businesses, helping to support the growth of the industry.
The bill, sponsored by Rep. Ed Osienski (D), has already passed the House of Representatives and is expected to be sent to the Governor’s desk for signature. If signed, the bill would allow the Delaware Office of the Marijuana Commissioner to open applications for conversion licenses by August 1 of this year, with the application window closing on November 1.
The bill has also been amended to include provisions that would require applicants to demonstrate that they can continue to meet demand among medical patients, show plans to support the state’s social equity program, and enter into a labor peace agreement with a “legitimate” union.
While some advocates have expressed concerns about the bill, others have praised its potential to provide a much-needed boost to the state’s social equity program and help to address the lack of regulated adult-use access in the state.
