Highlights;
- Delaware’s first weekend of recreational marijuana sales (Aug. 1-3, 2025) generated over $903,000 in combined adult-use and medical sales.
- Adult-use sales totaled $625,000, yielding $93,700 in tax revenue.
- New Castle County led with $432,319.78 in sales, followed by Sussex ($242,832.64) and Kent ($227,946.54).
- Flower accounted for 56% of sales ($509,042.59), followed by vapes (26%, $233,267.82) and edibles (14%, $123,768).
- Regulators reported compliance, with no major incidents during the launch.
- Projected tax revenue will fund public health and community programs.
- Delaware has issued 64 conditional licenses, with more expected soon.
[PRESS RELEASE] – DOVER, Del., Aug. 6, 2025 – Delaware officials are celebrating the success of the first weekend of recreational marijuana sales, which began on Aug. 1. This milestone marks a significant step in the implementation of the state’s adult-use cannabis legislation. The initial three-day period, from Friday to Sunday, saw combined adult-use and medical sales exceeding $903,000, demonstrating strong consumer demand and a smooth market launch.
During this inaugural weekend, adult-use sales alone reached approximately $625,000, generating an estimated $93,700 in tax revenue. A breakdown of sales by county revealed the following:
- New Castle County (five locations): $432,319.78 in combined sales
- Sussex County (five locations): $242,832.64 in combined sales
- Kent County (four locations): $227,946.54 in combined sales
Gov. Matt Meyer expressed enthusiasm about the results, stating, “Delaware’s first weekend of adult-use cannabis sales has shown that our state is ready—and eager—for a well-regulated, responsible market. 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.”
Sales data also highlighted diverse consumer preferences across product categories:
- Usable Marijuana (flower): $509,042.59 (56% of total sales)
- Marijuana Extract for Inhalation (vapes): $233,267.82 (26% of sales)
- Solid Marijuana Infused Edibles: $123,768.00 (14% of total sales)
- Marijuana Mix Infused (pre-rolls with concentrate): $16,212.90
- Liquid Marijuana Infused Edibles (tinctures, elixirs, capsules): $13,526.40
- Marijuana Infused Topicals (lotions): $4,790.00
- Miscellaneous Items: $1,362.73
- Marijuana Mix Packaged (pre-rolls): $948.50
- Hash (bubble hash): $180.00
Delaware Marijuana Commissioner Joshua Sanderlin noted, “Delaware’s transition to adult-use cannabis sales has exceeded expectations. More than $900,000 in sales over the first three days reflects not only strong consumer demand but also the readiness and professionalism of our licensed operators to serve the public safely and responsibly.”
The successful launch aligns with Delaware’s commitment to public safety and responsible implementation. Regulatory compliance checks were conducted throughout the weekend, with dispensaries operating within established guidelines. Officials reported no significant incidents, underscoring the state’s comprehensive regulatory framework for adult-use cannabis sales.
The $903,098.96 in sales represents a promising start for Delaware’s projected tax revenue from recreational marijuana. Funds generated will support regulatory oversight, public health initiatives, and community programs. Recreational marijuana sales are taxed at 15%, while medical marijuana remains tax-exempt.
Looking ahead, the Office of the Marijuana Commissioner is focused on strengthening Delaware’s cannabis market. To date, 64 conditional licenses have been issued, with additional licenses expected by the end of the summer. Social Equity Financial Assistance (SEFA) grants will soon be disbursed to support social equity licensees. A comprehensive review of regulations is also underway to ensure a safe, sustainable, and thriving cannabis industry.
Delaware’s adult-use marijuana program operates under strict regulations aimed at ensuring product safety, preventing diversion to minors, and promoting responsible consumption. The program builds on the state’s established medical marijuana framework, which was created by the Delaware General Assembly in 2011.
