Delaware’s Marijuana Industry Gets Green Light for Background Checks
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has given the go-ahead for the state of Delaware to conduct fingerprint-based background checks on individuals applying for marijuana business licenses. This development comes after a month-long delay due to concerns over the breadth of the state’s background check law.
The FBI issued a service code to the Delaware marijuana office, allowing the agency to begin processing background checks. Applicants with marijuana business licenses have until June 6 to get their fingerprints taken. If approved, they will be issued a conditional license and have 18 months to become fully operational. Failure to do so may result in the loss of their license.
“We appreciate the FBI’s collaboration and are excited that selected applicants can continue moving forward,” said Paul Hyland, acting marijuana commissioner.
The approval is a significant milestone for Delaware’s legal marijuana industry, which has been on hold due to the FBI’s concerns. The state’s marijuana office will now work with the General Assembly to clarify the term “agent,” which the FBI deemed too broad in the new wording of the law.
For social equity testing lab license holder Tracee Southerland, the approval is a small victory, but she emphasized that there are still hurdles to overcome. She highlighted Senate Bill 75, which aims to amend the zoning laws for marijuana businesses in counties, citing Sussex County’s strict zoning regulations as a major obstacle.
The bill has passed the Senate and is awaiting a hearing in a House committee. Southerland expressed concerns that if the bill is not passed, it may hinder the industry’s growth, as many businesses may struggle to find suitable real estate.
In related news, Governor Matt Meyer has nominated a cannabis attorney to become the state’s marijuana commissioner. The nominee will face the Senate Executive Committee on May 7 and, if approved, will receive a Senate vote on May 8.
