Delaware has officially entered the recreational cannabis market, and early figures show the state’s launch was nothing short of a success. According to officials, the first weekend of marijuana sales generated an impressive $625,000 in revenue, signaling strong consumer demand and a smooth rollout.
These marijuana sales translated into approximately $93,750 in tax revenue for the state, thanks to a 15% excise tax on recreational cannabis products. State Marijuana Commissioner Josh Sanderlin expressed his satisfaction with the launch, noting that the sales "reflect not only strong consumer demand, but also the readiness and professionalism of our licensed operators to serve the public safely and responsibly.”
Sales were limited to adults aged 21 and over, with each individual restricted to purchasing or possessing no more than one ounce of cannabis at a time. Despite these limitations, the volume of marijuana sales over just a three-day period surprised many—especially given that the retail market is still in its early stages.
Governor Matt Meyer praised the launch, saying the sales numbers prove “that our state is ready—and eager—for a well-regulated, responsible market.” He added that the success of the initial marijuana sales weekend represents Delaware’s broader goals: stimulating economic growth, promoting public health, and reinvesting in local communities.
The revenue generated from these early marijuana sales will help fund community initiatives and could position Delaware as a national example in cannabis policy. “Now, we have a real opportunity to reinvest this revenue directly into neighborhoods across our state,” Meyer noted.
Currently, marijuana sales are being conducted through 12 existing medical dispensaries that received conversion licenses—each costing $100,000. These dispensaries were permitted to start recreational sales while maintaining their medical operations. The state plans to expand access with 30 more retail-only cannabis shops, although those aren’t expected to open until early next year.
One of the major retail players, Field Supply on Kirkwood Highway, had what owner James Brobyn described as a “banner weekend.” Brobyn, who also leads the Delaware Cannabis Industry Association, said, “We welcomed as many customers in the first three days of recreational sales as we would typically see in an entire month of medical sales.” His comments underscore the scale of the demand for legal cannabis and the readiness of the market to support increased marijuana sales.
Delaware lawmakers passed legislation to legalize marijuana in April 2023, but the rollout faced delays due to regulatory hurdles, including difficulties obtaining FBI background checks for license applicants. Despite these obstacles, the state’s launch appears to have gone smoothly.
The Department of Safety and Homeland Security reported that compliance checks were conducted at participating dispensaries during the opening weekend. Fortunately, “no significant incidents” were reported, indicating that these early marijuana sales occurred in a safe and controlled environment.
As Delaware ramps up its cannabis infrastructure, the first weekend of marijuana sales serves as a clear indicator: the market is not only viable—it’s thriving.
