Delaware Governor Tours Marijuana Grow Ahead of Friday Sales Launch, Hails State’s ‘French Wine of Weed’
Delaware Governor Matt Meyer (D) visited a marijuana cultivation facility on Wednesday, touting the state’s soon-to-launch adult-use market as a model for legalization. The governor praised the quality of Delaware’s marijuana production, saying it will be “the French wine of weed.”
The visit came ahead of the launch of adult-use sales on Friday, which will allow medical cannabis businesses to sell to customers 21 and older. Meyer, who also met with students participating in a cannabis industry training program, emphasized the economic benefits of the industry, stating that it will create good-paying jobs and help right past wrongs in communities.
The governor’s office is working closely with the Office of Marijuana Commissioner to establish a framework for the industry, which will include strong safety standards, quality training, and product testing. The office is also working to resolve ongoing issues, including zoning disputes and concerns over the fairness of the licensing process.
The launch of the adult-use market has been met with controversy, with some critics arguing that allowing medical operators to start adult-use sales ahead of other license applicants is unfair. The governor has also faced criticism over his handling of zoning restrictions for the industry, with some advocating for more local control.
Despite these challenges, the governor remains optimistic about the future of the industry, stating that Delaware will be a national model for legalization. The state plans to issue 125 licenses, including 30 retailers, 60 cultivators, 30 manufacturers, and five testing labs.
In the coming weeks, lawmakers will be seeking input from consumers and businesses on the market launch, with the goal of identifying any hiccups that need to be addressed. The state’s Office of the Marijuana Commissioner has also been rolling out proposed regulations to stand up the forthcoming adult-use cannabis industry.
