DOVER, Del. — Delaware officials report encouraging results from the first weekend of recreational marijuana sales, which began August 1, marking a major milestone in the implementation of adult-use cannabis legislation. The inaugural three-day weekend (Friday to Sunday) had combined sales (adult and medical) of over $903,000, a measurable increase in sales pace that demonstrates robust demand and a successful market launch. The $625,000 in adult sales corresponds to an estimated $93,750 in tax revenue. Sales by county indicate that New Castle County (five locations) generated $432,319.78 in combined sales, followed by Sussex County (five locations) at $242,832.64, and Kent County (four locations) at $227,946.54.

“Delaware’s first weekend of adult-use cannabis sales has shown that our state is ready—and eager—for a well-regulated, responsible market,” said Governor Matt Meyer. “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. I’m proud we’re moving thoughtfully and deliberately to get this right for all Delawareans.”

Sales data also revealed diverse consumer preferences across product categories:

• Usable Marijuana (flower): $509,042.59 – the largest category at 56% of total sales
• Marijuana Extract for Inhalation (vapes): $233,267.82 – accounted for 26% of sales
• Solid Marijuana Infused Edibles: $123,768.00 – comprising 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’s transition to adult-use cannabis sales has exceeded expectations,” said Joshua Sanderlin, Delaware’s Marijuana Commissioner. “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.

“This successful launch positions Delaware to realize the economic benefits of regulated cannabis sales while maintaining our commitment to public safety and responsible implementation,” said Secretary Joshua Bushweller, Department of Safety and Homeland Security.

Regulatory Compliance and Safety

State regulators conducted routine compliance checks throughout the weekend, finding dispensaries operating within established guidelines. No significant incidents were reported, and participating retailers demonstrated adherence to Delaware’s comprehensive regulatory framework for adult-use cannabis sales. The Office of the Marijuana Commissioner continues to monitor sales activity and work closely with licensed operators to ensure ongoing compliance with state regulations on product testing, inventory tracking, and customer verification.

Economic Impact and Tax Revenue

The weekend’s $903,098.96 in sales represents a strong foundation for Delaware’s projected tax revenue from recreational marijuana. Based on the state’s tax structure, this initial three-day performance suggests the program will contribute significantly to funding regulatory oversight, public health initiatives, and community programs throughout the state. By law, recreational marijuana sales are taxed at 15 percent while medical marijuana purchases are tax-exempt.

Looking Ahead

The Office of the Marijuana Commissioner remains focused on strengthening Delaware’s cannabis market. To date, 64 conditional licenses have been issued, with the remainder expected by the end of the summer. The state will also begin disbursing Social Equity Financial Assistance (SEFA) Grants to support social equity licensees as they move toward operations. In addition, a comprehensive review of all OMC regulations is underway to ensure that they foster a safe, sustainable, and thriving cannabis industry in Delaware.

Delaware’s Cannabis Program

Delaware’s adult-use marijuana program operates under comprehensive state regulations designed to ensure product safety, prevent diversion to minors, and support responsible consumption. The program builds upon the state’s established medical marijuana framework, which was created by the Delaware General Assembly in 2011.

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CONTACT:
John Petersen
O: (302) 744-2686
E: john.petersen@delaware.gov

DOVER, Del. — Today, Delaware makes history as legal adult-use cannabis sales officially begin across the First State. Starting this morning, adults aged 21 and over can legally purchase recreational marijuana and marijuana products from licensed cannabis retailers, marking a major milestone in the implementation of Delaware’s cannabis legalization effort.

The initial phase of adult-use cannabis sales is being implemented by a select group of Delaware’s existing medical marijuana compassion centers that have successfully transitioned into the combined medical and adult-use cannabis market. These conversions represent a critical first step in the phased implementation of the state’s comprehensive, regulated cannabis program—designed to prioritize public health, equity, and regulatory compliance.

“Today’s launch of adult-use cannabis sales by Delaware’s existing medical operators is an important milestone in the rollout of the state’s regulated cannabis market,” said Commissioner Joshua Sanderlin. “We’re grateful to all who have worked hard to make this moment possible and remain focused on bringing additional licensees online in the months ahead.”

Under the regulatory framework established by Delaware’s Marijuana Control Act and the Office of the Marijuana Commissioner (OMC), medical marijuana compassion centers that obtained conversion licenses are now authorized to engage in adult-use cannabis sales. Additional licensees—including cultivators, product manufacturers, retail facilities, and testing laboratories—are expected to become operational in the coming months as the state continues its rollout of the adult-use market. New licensees will support both medical patients and adult-use consumers in a combined medical and adult-use cannabis market.

Adult-use sales are possible thanks to landmark legislation passed in 2023, which legalizes cannabis for adults and creates Delaware’s regulatory structure. The legislation prioritizes public health, accountability, and social equity, and after extensive public input, OMC finalized a comprehensive set of regulations published in September 2024.

The conversion license process provided a critical jumpstart to the market by allowing sales to adult-use consumers to begin through Delaware’s existing cannabis retailers, while also generating $4 million in funding for start-up grants supporting social equity licensees. OMC received over 1,200 license applications during the 2024 application period, with 125 licenses awarded through a public lottery in December. OMC continues to issue conditional and active licenses to those lottery winners on a rolling basis, as background checks are completed, and licensees complete all regulatory requirements and pass final inspections.

“The OMC has worked closely with our medical marijuana operators to ensure a smooth transition to the adult-use market,” said Deputy Commissioner Paul Hyland. “Their ability to convert licenses has been instrumental in fast-tracking this launch. As more licensees join in the coming months, we will continue to focus on expanding access responsibly and fostering the growth of a strong and diverse marijuana industry in Delaware.”

Consumers are reminded that only purchases from licensed retailers are legal and regulated under state law. A full list of authorized locations and safety guidelines can be found at www.omc.delaware.gov.

For all press inquiries, please contact:
John Petersen
Chief of Community Relations
Delaware Department of Safety & Homeland Security
Office: 302-744-2686
Email: john.petersen@delaware.gov

The Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and E-ZPass Delaware invite customers to take advantage of a free transponder event starting Friday, August 1, 2025, and continuing through Sunday, August 31, 2025.

Anyone who opens a new E-ZPass Delaware account in the month of August will receive a free transponder. Commercial accounts are excluded from the promotion.

To open an account, visit ezpassde.com and click on “sign up”, call 1-888-397-2773, or visit one of the E-ZPass locations below:

E-ZPass Service Center:
22-24 West Loockerman Street
Dover, DE 19904

Walk-in service is available Monday through Friday from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm and Saturday from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm.

Toll Plazas:
Dover Toll Plaza
Route 1
200 Plaza Drive
Dover, Delaware 19901

Biddles Corner Toll Plaza
Route 1
2111 Dupont Parkway
Middletown, DE 19709

Newark Toll Plaza
I-95 Toll Plaza
1200 Whittaker Road @ I-95
Newark, Delaware 19702

Walk-in service for toll plaza locations is Monday to Sunday, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Toll rates will increase on I-95 in Newark, Route 301 Mainline, and on Route 1 at Biddles Corner and in Dover on Friday, August 15, 2025.

To access the new toll rates, visit https://deldot.gov/Publications/pdfs/DelDOTTollFeeScheduleTollandFeeIncreases.pdf.

Customers with a Delaware E-ZPass will receive a discounted rate when traveling on all Delaware toll roads when the increase goes into effect. For more information or to purchase a transponder, visit ezpassde.com or call 888-EZPassDE (888-397-2773).

DMV reminds all customers, whether you are paying by cash or by transponder,­­­ please obey the posted speed limit of 10 miles per hour (MPH) when traveling through toll plazas in Delaware.

Following the signing of the toll increase resolution by Secretary of Transportation Shanté Hastings and the passage of HB 164 by the Delaware General Assembly, the Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) has begun work to implement the toll increases and new DMV fees. These increases will provide the department with an estimated $107 million annually in additional revenue to support needed investments in infrastructure statewide.

Access toll rate changes using the link below.

Toll and Fee Increases

For those who do not currently have a Delaware E-ZPass account, customers can sign up and find more information at ezpassde.com.

The online toll calculator will also be updated by Friday, August 1, 2025, to view the new toll amounts for travel on Delaware’s three toll roads and costs for vehicles with additional axles.

Starting Wednesday, October 1, 2025, DMV fees will increase, including a 1% increase to the document fee for vehicle transactions.

The new annual alternative fuel vehicle registration fee that will be applicable to more than 48,000 vehicles registered in the state will also begin on Wednesday, October 1, 2025.

The new fees for these vehicles are available in the attachment and more information on how that fee will be collected will be forthcoming closer to the implementation date.

Questions about the new tolls and fees can be directed to DelDOT Community Relations at 302-760-2080 or dotpr@delaware.gov.

WILMINGTON – On Monday, Governor Matt Meyer signed legislation that improves Delaware’s Workers’ Compensation Act. Senate Bill 145 allows workers’ compensations payments to be made to claimants by direct deposit and increases the reimbursement percentage of activities from 66.6 to 100 percent. Senate Bill 164 provides a one-time increase of 3 percent in aggregate workers’ compensation medical expenses to correct reimbursements for medical services coded as evaluation and management for workers’ compensation cases.

SB145, sponsored by State Senators Bryan Townsend, Jack Walsh and House Representatives Kim Williams and Ed Osienski, will further support proper workers’ compensation coverage, safer workplaces, and reduces losses for insurance carriers. The increased reimbursement will fund the Department of Labor’s inspection and safety efforts, which helps reduce workers’ compensation claims and losses and compliance with the law.

SB164, sponsored by Senator Walsh and Representative Osienski helps remove a barrier for physicians to participate in the workers’ compensation system, as the evaluation and management reimbursement rate for workers’ compensation cases has fallen below the reimbursement rate of the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services rates. This is a critical need as Delaware needs physicians to accept and treat workers’ compensation patients.

“Delaware’s workers are the backbone of our economy, and they deserve a compensation system that puts them first,” said Governor Matt Meyer. “By modernizing our payment process and fully funding safety inspections, we’re making it easier for injured workers to get the support they need while helping businesses create safer workplaces. This is exactly the kind of smart, balanced policymaking that moves Delaware forward — and I’m proud to sign it into law.”

“The dedicated members of our workforce deserve to know that they’ll be protected and supported in the event of workplace injury,” said Sen. Jack Walsh. “This legislation modernizes this critical safeguard, making workers’ comp more efficient and accessible for employees in need.”

“This legislation helps ensure that when someone is injured on the job, they can access timely, high-quality medical care while also giving the Department of Labor the resources needed to prevent those injuries in the first place. I was proud to support this legislation and pleased to see it signed into law without delay,” said Rep. Ed Osienski.

“Today’s enactment will allow the Department’s Division of Industrial Affairs to enhance its inspection and safety work, which is a win-win for workers and businesses alike,” said Department of Labor Secretary LaKresha Moultrie. “I am proud we could come together with Senators Townsend, Walsh and Representatives Williams and Osienski and insurance carriers to improve worker safety and keep Delaware a competitive place to do business.”