There are now only 2 weeks left to submit your application for the inaugural licensing round for Delaware’s adult-use cannabis licensing. The state’s application submission portal will close on September 30th. There are opportunities available for general, social equity, and microbusiness applicants. If you did not participate in the pre-validation process for the social equity licenses in July, you can still apply for a Social Equity License. For entrepreneurs and investors eager to seize first-mover advantage in the rapidly expanding Mid-Atlantic cannabis market, Delaware's Adult-Use Cannabis market presents an unparalleled opportunity.

License Schedule

Licenses will be issued on a staggered schedule. Cultivation licenses will be the first to be issued starting November 1st, followed by manufacturer licenses beginning in December. In the current circumstances, retail sales will begin being issued in March 2025, although that could come earlier as Commissioner Coupe predicted in early July.

Application Requirements

From the revised regulations posted on July 1st, the OMC of Delaware has confirmed previous regulation plans, detailing the minimum requirements for cannabis application submissions. These requirements are designed to ensure comprehensive compliance and promote success within the industry. Key elements of the application process include:

Social Equity Specific Information (if applicable)
A Plan to comply with Financial Crimes Enforcement Network under the Bank Secrecy Act (31 U.S.C. §5311 et seq.)
A comprehensive business plan, including an annual budget and pro forma financial statements
A narrative detailing the experience, training, and expertise of the Client and managing officers
Regulatory compliant plans for safety, security, and the prevention of diversion
Regulatory compliant plans for operations, training, and staffing, including:
Quality assurance plan with written policies and procedures for a comprehensive quality assurance program
Entity Attestation

License Classes

The licensing framework is comprised of three primary categories: open licenses, microbusiness licenses, and social equity licenses. Each of these categories has its distinct set of license types and a meticulous application process.

Open License

This category encompasses various license types tailored for individuals and entities from any state eager to participate in Delaware's burgeoning cannabis market. Open licenses include Cultivation Facility Licenses, Product Manufacturing Licenses, Retail Marijuana Store Licenses, and Testing Facility Licenses.

Microbusiness License

To qualify for a microbusiness cultivation or product manufacturing license in Delaware, applicants must fulfill all specific conditions, including:

Ownership of 51% or more by individuals who have resided in Delaware for a minimum of 5 out of the preceding 10 years.
Employing no more than 10 personnel.
Operating a facility with a size not exceeding 2,500 square feet.
Possessing no more than 1,000 plants per month.

Social Equity License

The state of Delaware is actively promoting social equity within the cannabis industry. To be eligible for a social equity cannabis license in Delaware, prospective social equity applicants must have been validated by the State on or before July 15th.

License Types

License Allocation

The Office of the Marijuana Commissioner has made the decision to enter all eligible applicants into a lottery system. This lottery shall be conducted in an impartial and random manner, with the format of the lottery being determined later at the discretion of the Commissioner.

Ready to Become a Licensed Cannabis Business Owner in Delaware?

With the application window closing at the end of the month, we here at Global Go are here to guide you every step of the way, offering à la carte options from full application assistance to expert reviews of your self-completed application, ensuring you’re ready to secure your spot in the cannabis licensing lottery. Improve your chances of success by contacting a Global Go Cannabis Application Director today, including team members in the Delaware Valley, to gain invaluable insights into Delaware's market.

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