We, the residents, business owners, and advocates of Delaware, urge Governor Meyer and the Delaware Office of Marijuana Commissioner to take immediate action to authorize the launch of the state's recreational cannabis market by April 1, 2025. Despite many licensed businesses being ready to operate and the state having already collected $6 million in licensing, application, and conversion fees—along with an additional $3 million pledged—sales remain stalled until Governor Meyer and the Delaware Office of Marijuana Commissioner authorize sales to commence. This delay is increasingly harming consumers, businesses, and the state’s economy.

Why This Matters to Delaware:

Consumers Are Left Without Safe, Regulated Access – Without a legal cannabis marketplace, Delawareans are forced to rely on unregulated illicit sources or travel to neighboring states, which puts public health at risk and drives revenue out of state.

Businesses Are Facing Uncertainty – Many cannabis businesses, including holders of social equity licensees, have invested significant resources but are stuck waiting for authorization to open, jeopardizing their financial stability,  and the state’s commitment to equity.

Delaware Is Losing Out on Tax Revenue – Delaware’s Retail Marijuana Tax rate is 15% and imposed on the retail sales price of any recreational marijuana product sold in Delaware. If Delaware starts allowing the legal sale of cannabis by April 1, 2025, the state estimates it will receive between $28.8 million and $42 million in taxes per year (citation: https://delawarelive.com/marijuana-czar-details-fast-moving-license-plans/

Delays Are Blocking Critical Funding for Justice Reform and Community Investment – 7% of all cannabis tax revenue is allocated to Delaware’s Justice Reinvestment Fund, which is designed to support restorative justice initiatives, jail diversion programs, workforce development, and technology for civil rights restoration and expungement. Communities disproportionately harmed by past marijuana prohibition were promised reinvestment and relief, but without sales, this funding remains nonexistent. Every day of delay prevents these essential programs from getting the resources they need to create real, lasting change.

Lessons from Other States:

States like New Jersey and Maryland successfully launched their legal cannabis markets, generating millions in tax revenue and job opportunities. Delaware is falling behind, missing out on economic benefits while our neighbors thrive.

Other states, like New York, have seen how delays in implementation harm small businesses, social equity applicants, and can lead to the proliferation of the illegal cannabis market and untested cannabis products. Delaware must not repeat those mistakes.

The Path Forward:

The industry, regulators, and lawmakers have done the work to prepare for this launch. Now, it's time for leadership to follow through and set a firm date for sales to begin. Businesses are ready. Consumers are waiting. The economy stands to benefit. We cannot afford further delays.

Our Request:

We call on Governor Meyer and the Delaware Office of Marijuana Commissioner to:

Authorize recreational cannabis sales to begin no later than April 1, 2025.
Provide clear guidance and a timeline for license holders to move forward with operations.
Ensure that the state's commitments to equity and small business success are upheld in the launch process.

Delaware has the opportunity to build a strong, fair, and thriving cannabis industry—but action must be taken now.

Sign this petition to demand immediate action!