Licensed cannabis retailers in Delaware sold over $900,000 worth of marijuana products in the three days following the launch of adult-use retail sales, according to data provided by the state government.
“The inaugural three-day weekend (Friday to Sunday) had combined sales (adult and medical) of over $903,000, a measurable increase in sales pace that demonstrates robust demand and a successful market launch,” the state acknowledged in a press release. “The $625,000 in adult sales corresponds to an estimated $93,750 in tax revenue.”
Adult-use marijuana sales began last Friday, some 28 months after lawmakers approved legislation legalizing the adult-use market. Most other legalization states implemented licensed retail sales far more quickly.
Despite the delay, Democratic Gov. Matt Meyer hailed the rollout. “Delaware’s first weekend of adult-use cannabis sales has shown that our state is ready — and eager — for a well-regulated, responsible market,” he said. “This moment reflects our commitment to growing Delaware’s economy, strengthening our communities, and prioritizing public health. Now, we have a real opportunity to reinvest this revenue directly into neighborhoods across our state, ensuring Delaware becomes a national model for cannabis quality, innovation, and fairness. I’m proud we’re moving thoughtfully and deliberately to get this right for all Delawareans.”
During the initial phase of the state’s rollout, consumers are only able to purchase cannabis at approximately a dozen retail locations — all of which are existing medical cannabis dispensaries that have received ‘conversion licenses’ to sell to patients and adults. (Lawmakers legalized medical cannabis access in 2011.) The Commissioner’s office says that regulators will begin providing additional licenses to new applicants by summer’s end.
A Delaware State Auditor’s report estimates that adult-use sales will ultimately generate $43 million in annual tax revenue.
Further details on Delaware’s adult-use marijuana law are available from NORML.
