Delaware state officials announced that the state would become the next state to launch a legal adult-use weed market in 2023. Now, on August 1st, 2025, that market has launched and is ready to begin thriving, with existing medical marijuana operators having first priority in opening dispensaries. Projections suggest that the market could generate at least $40 million annually in tax revenue.
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On Wednesday, DE Gov. Matt Meyer (D) visited First State Compassion’s cultivation facility and had nothing but good things to say.
“We’re committed to doing this the right way—with strong safety standards, quality training, and product testing that ensures Delawareans have access to safe, reliable cannabis,” he said. “Delaware will truly be the French wine of weed.”
If you live in DE or a nearby state and need to know what this new legal market entails, GreenState has you covered. Here’s everything you need to know about DE’s new weed regulations.
HB 1
HB 1 is the bill that legalized marijuana in Delaware. According to it, the state legalized the possession, use, sharing, and purchasing of up to one ounce of cannabis for adults 21+. Adult sharing does not include gifting marijuana contemporaneously with another transaction between the parties, like a non-money gift or service.
Public consumption and home growing will remain prohibited, and cannabis use by people under 21 will result in a $100 civil penalty.
HB 2
HB 2 provided the basic framework for DE’s new regulated legal market. The bill says that the Division of Alcohol and Tobacco Enforcement (DATE) is responsible for regulating the market through a new Office of Marijuana Control Commissioner.
Delaware weed regulators can approve up to 30 licensed retailers in the first 16 months of implementation. Applicants who can demonstrate their ability to provide a living wage, health insurance coverage, paid sick leave, and diverse hiring practices will be prioritized. As of right now, the stores are planned to follow this breakdown: 14 in New Castle County, 10 in Sussex County, and six in Kent County.
Recreational cannabis sales in the state will be subject to a 15 percent sales tax, while medical products will not be taxed.
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Enjoy, DE!
It’s clear from Gov. Meyer’s words that the people of Delaware have been waiting for this for a while now. Hopefully, this guide gives Delawareans all the proper information to ensure that their first days in a legal state go smoothly and legally.