The Office of the Marijuana Commissioner (OMC) has released additional sections of the informal draft regulations for review. The sections of draft regulations released today include the sections related to tracking, product health standards, packaging and labeling requirements, and advertising.

The Informal Comment Period on the OMC website omc.delaware.gov will close on March 29, 2024. Once this informal feedback has been collected, considered, and appropriate revisions are made in response to the feedback, the OMC will begin the formal rulemaking process.

Pursuant to the Administrative Procedures Act, Chapter 101 of Title 29, the OMC shall file notice and text of proposed regulation with the Registrar for publication in the Register of Regulations.

OMC continues to encourage stakeholders and members of the public to review these preliminary, draft regulations in the informal process, as well as the officially proposed regulations when published later in the Register of Regulations

The Office of Marijuana Commissioner (OMC) is inviting stakeholders and interested parties to review and comment on the regulations that will control the State regulated adult-use recreational marijuana industry in Delaware.

As you are aware, the Delaware Marijuana Control Act, 4Del. C. Chapter 13 legalized the use of recreational marijuana for individuals 21 and older. The newly created OMC has the responsibility to adopt rules and regulations necessary for the implementation of this law.

As the OMC moves forward with developing its rules and regulations, we are offering the public an early, informal opportunity to review and comment on the elements of the regulations as individual sections are posted weekly on our website beginning in February 2024. It is our hope that this early engagement with the community and stakeholders will enhance transparency and foster a shared commitment to the OMC’s goals.

This informal public comment period is effective from the date of this announcement until its closing on March 29, 2024. During this informal process, OMC will release draft chapters of the regulations at the website omc.delaware.gov and interested parties will have access to a link to provide constructive comments and feedback.

It is important to note that these preliminary, draft regulations are dependent on proposed legislative changes currently under consideration by members of the General Assembly, and the regulations may have to be adjusted based on legislative action. The draft regulations presented in this informal process are a preview of the direction that the OMC is taking in the development of the formal regulations.

Once this informal feedback has been collected, considered, and appropriate revisions are made in response to that feedback, the OMC will begin the formal rulemaking process. Pursuant to the Administrative Procedures Act, Chapter 101 of Title 29, the OMC shall file notice and text of proposed regulation with the Registrar for publication in the Register of Regulations. The publication of official proposed regulations is the start of the formal public comment period. OMC will announce the timing of this formal public comment period and provide key dates on the website as details become available. The target date for the formal public comment period in the Register of Regulations is May 1 through May 31, 2024.

The sections of draft regulations released today include those applicable to the licensing of adult-use recreational marijuana businesses, the application process, the issuance of licenses, and the processes regarding the renewal and transfer of licenses.

OMC encourages stakeholders and members of the public to review these preliminary, draft regulations in the informal process, as well as the officially proposed regulations when published later in the Register of Regulations.

Heavier snow to cause poor visibility this afternoon with roads expected to freeze tonight

SMYRNA, Del. — The Delaware Department of Transportation and Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA)  are issuing a travel advisory for this afternoon and evening due to poor visibility from heavier snowfall and freezing on road surfaces tonight as temperatures drop. The advisory is not an official Level 1 Driving Warning, but is meant to caution motorists of adverse weather conditions and to stay off roads if possible. If driving is necessary, motorists are urged to use caution and common sense.

“DelDOT crews have been working throughout the storm to clear and treat roads across the state, however, falling temperatures and continued snowfall will cause roads and bridges to be icy as the day progresses,” said Secretary of Transportation Nicole Majeski. “Please slow down and adapt your driving to the conditions if you must be out.”

The National Weather Service is forecasting snowfall rates that cause reduced visibility for motorists and temperatures to drop below freezing tonight. This will create hazardous driving condition across the area. DelDOT crews are working to clear the roadways, but many secondary routes will remain slippery and snow-covered.

Winter Driving and Safety Tips:

1. Make sure that your windshield is completely clear of snow and ice and that you also clear snow off the top of your vehicle and the bed of your pickup trucks.
2. Once on the road, take it slowly. Travel at or below the posted speed limit.
3. Leave plenty of space between you and the car in front of you. If you’re too close, there will not be enough time to react if that person loses control of his vehicle.
4. Turn on headlights so other drivers can see you. It’s Delaware law to use headlights in conditions of poor visibility. Low beams provide better visibility than using high beams.
5. Apply brakes carefully, especially on hills and exit/entrance ramps. Allow for more stopping distance.
6. Bridges and overpasses freeze faster than other road surfaces. There might be ice you cannot see.
7. Pay extra attention when approaching intersections. Watch for cars that don’t have the right of way. Even though you are taking precautions, you need reaction time in case other drivers go through a stop sign or stop light.
8. Wear your seatbelt. If you are involved in a wreck your seatbelt will help you keep control of the vehicle and improve your chances of escaping serious injury or death by nearly 50%.
9. If your vehicle starts to skid, don’t panic. Don’t hit the brakes hard. If your car has anti-lock brakes (ABS), apply steady pressure to the brakes, shift the car or truck into neutral and steer in the direction you want your car to go until the skid is over. If you don’t have ABS, apply pressure to the brakes, just short of locking them up, release the pressure, and then re-apply at a lower level.

   

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Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA) is the lead state agency for coordination of comprehensive emergency preparedness, training, response, recovery, and mitigation services to save lives, protect Delaware’s economic base and reduce the impact of emergencies. DEMA is a division within the Department of Safety and Homeland Security (DSHS) and authorized by Delaware Code, Title 20,Chapter 31 §3101-3130.

Social Media:

Delaware Department of Transportation on Facebook and X
Delaware Emergency Management Agency on Facebook and X and Instagram

SMYRNA, Del. – The Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA) is rescinding the Level 1 Driving Warning as of Wednesday, January 17 at 7:00 a.m. The warning was issued on Tuesday, January 16 due to the likelihood of icing occurring on roads and bridges statewide overnight. A Level 1 Driving Warning is an advisory against unnecessary travel due to road conditions. Motorists were advised to “exercise extra caution in the operation of their motor vehicle” and “encouraged not to operate a motor vehicle… unless there is a significant safety, health, or business reason to do so.”

Due to an Arctic front overspreading the region, low temperatures were expected to be in the teens in many areas. While DelDOT crews treated roads and bridges overnight, rock salt becomes less effective when temperatures reach 15 degrees Fahrenheit. The National Weather Service reports another system could bring snow to Delaware on Friday.

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Social Media: Delaware Emergency Management Agency on Facebook and X and Instagram

With temperatures forecasted to fall well below freezing tonight, the Delaware Emergency Management Agency has issued a Level 1 Driving Warning statewide for the overnight hours of Tuesday, January 16, 2024, to Wednesday, January 17, 2024, due to the likelihood of icing occurring on roads and bridges statewide tonight. A Level 1 Driving Warning is an advisory against unnecessary travel due to road conditions.

The National Weather Service is advising that an Arctic airmass will overspread southeast Pennsylvania, New Jersey, the eastern shores of Maryland, and Delaware. Temperatures tonight will drop into the single digits and low teens across the region.

While DelDOT crews will continue to treat roads and bridges through the overnight hours, rock salt becomes less effective when temperatures reach 15 degrees Fahrenheit, which many areas of the state may near tonight.

Level 1 Driving Warning Definition: A ‘Level 1 Driving Warning’ shall mean that any person operating a motor vehicle when a Level 1 Driving Warning has been activated shall exercise extra caution in the operation of their motor vehicle. Non-essential employees, regardless of whether employed by a public or private entity, are encouraged not to operate a motor vehicle on the State’s roadways, unless there is a significant safety, health or business reason to do so.

The Level 1 Driving Warning will be publicly rescinded when road conditions allow.