DELAWARE — The First State’s new recreational cannabis market is off to a fast start, generating more than $7.3 million in cannabis sales during its first month, according to the Office of the Marijuana Commissioner (OMC). Sales began Aug. 1 after more than two years of regulatory roadblocks, and demand has been steady across all three counties.
Cannabis flower led the way, accounting for $4.06 million about 55% of the statewide total. Vapes, edibles, pre-rolls, tinctures, and topicals also contributed to the strong opening month of cannabis sales. For Delaware residents who previously had to travel out of state for legal cannabis, the new program marks a significant shift toward accessible, regulated products at home.
At Columbia Care in Rehoboth Beach, one of Delaware’s busiest dispensaries, the response has been overwhelming. “The past month has been exciting, fast paced, really good feedback from the community,” said Sherri Koehler, director of retail operations. The store now serves locals who can purchase recreational cannabis without crossing state lines, adding to the surge in cannabis sales statewide.
Koehler noted that her Rehoboth location is among the top three earners in the state and emphasized the company’s ongoing efforts to engage the community and break the stigma surrounding legal marijuana. Everyday people—from mail carriers to nurses—are participating in Delaware’s new cannabis sales landscape, illustrating how mainstream the market has become.
Since Commissioner Robert Sanderlin took office, OMC has issued 79 conditional licenses and three active licenses to support the expanding industry. Additional approvals are expected in the coming months, which should further boost cannabis sales and strengthen Delaware’s tax revenues.
The state is also preparing to distribute Social Equity Financial Assistance (SEFA) grants to support social equity licensees, a move designed to ensure the benefits of rising cannabis sales reach communities disproportionately affected by past enforcement. Regulators are conducting a full review of program rules to keep the industry safe, sustainable, and equitable as it grows.
With millions already generated in the first month, Delaware’s recreational program is poised for continued success. As more dispensaries open and new products hit the shelves, observers expect cannabis sales to climb steadily, creating jobs, funding public programs, and reshaping perceptions about legal cannabis use in the state.
For updates on licenses, SEFA grants, and regulatory changes, visit the OMC’s official site.
