FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | March 20, 2025
Contact: Caroline Klinger (302) 599-9705
DOVER — As the State of Delaware continues to oversee the establishment of a recreational marijuana market, Senator Trey Paradee has introduced Senate Bill 75, regulating the limitations that counties can impose upon marijuana sales. In an effort to ensure consistency among operations, the bill sets forth the following guardrails:
- Establishes a statewide framework relating to minimum hours of operation for retailers.
- Protects the sale of retail marijuana for pre-established medical marijuana compassion centers.
- Enforces limitations on zoning restrictions.
“In April 2023, House Bills 1 and 2 legalized adult-use recreational marijuana and granted counties the ability to determine where retail facilities could be located,” said Sen. Paradee. “Unfortunately, Sussex County Council passed an ordinance that made it impossible to operate a retail marijuana facility in Sussex County, and the ordinance passed by New Castle County Council is so restrictive that licensees have been unable to find suitable locations. SB 75 solves these problems while still protecting sensitive areas like schools, daycares, and places of worship.”
“Legal cannabis is here, and we need to make sure retailers have a fair and responsible marketplace to operate in,” said Rep. Ed Osienski. “We already regulate alcohol in a way that balances business opportunities with community protections, and this legislation extends that same approach to cannabis. With so many retailers prepared to safely and responsibly serve customers, we must provide clear guidelines that support them while respecting local concerns.”
Senate Bill 75 does not affect zoning ordinances adopted by municipalities. More information about the ongoing establishment of Delaware’s marijuana market can be found on the Office of the Marijuana Commissioner website.
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