Delaware House panel advances marijuana legalization bill
Published on 5/21/17
This month the first step was passed in creating a legal recreational marijuana program in Delaware after the proposed bill passed it's first committee in the House. If the proposed bill becomes law, adults over 21 will be able to purchase up to 1 ounce of marijuana taxed at $50, the retail prices will be set by a state marijuana commission at a later date. The current language in the bill would make Delaware the first state where adults would be able to legally purchase cannabis, but remain prohibited from growing the plant at home. A cannabis commission will be created to license up to 40 dispensaries and 75 cultivation centers within the state who will pay $10,000 every two years for the license.
Marijuana sales would not be allowed in establishments licensed to sell alcohol.
The legislation would create a commission to regulate, license and tax the marijuana industry, allowing licenses for up to 40 retail stores and 75 cultivation facilities. Those businesses, along with testing and product manufacturing facilities, would pay an application fee of $5,000 and a $10,000 licensing fee every two years.
Supporters of the bill said it would help reduce the black market for marijuana, and the associated crime that comes with it, while raising revenue for the state.
