Delaware Senate Passes Bill to Ease Zoning Restrictions for Marijuana Shops
A bill aimed at relaxing zoning regulations for recreational marijuana shops in Delaware has cleared the Senate and is now headed to the House. The legislation, introduced by Senator Trey Paradee, aims to address the Sussex County Council’s recent ordinance, which effectively banned the sale of cannabis in the area.
According to Paradee, the current 3,000-foot buffer zone around sensitive locations such as churches, schools, and government buildings has rendered most of Sussex County off-limits to cannabis shops. The proposed bill would reduce this buffer zone to 500 feet, allowing for more locations to operate.
Paradee argues that this change would bring Delaware’s regulations more in line with those for liquor stores, which are allowed to operate in the same areas without such restrictions. He believes the bill is a fair and necessary step to support local businesses and allow Delawareans to access recreational marijuana legally.
However, State Representative Bryan Shupe has expressed concerns about the bill, citing the potential negative impact on local communities. He argues that easing zoning restrictions could lead to unintended consequences, such as placing marijuana shops near drug rehabilitation centers, which could be detrimental to those seeking treatment.
The bill is set to be voted on in the House this week, with proponents hoping to bring more clarity and fairness to Delaware’s cannabis regulations.
