Delaware lawmakers are working to ease county-wide zoning restrictions on recreational marijuana dispensaries as market delays continue. When recreational marijuana was legalized in the state, counties implemented restrictive ordinances on where these businesses could operate. Sussex County implemented a ban on marijuana retail locations within three miles of certain facilities, effectively prohibiting dispensaries. New Castle County followed suit with a 1,000-foot buffer zone requirement.
State Sen. Trey Paradee is proposing legislation to address the excessive bans on marijuana businesses in municipalities. The bill aims to set limits on buffer zones and ensures existing medical marijuana dispensaries can operate as retail stores. It also establishes operating hours for retail marijuana stores.
As the recreational marijuana market launch faces delays due to federal background check issues, State Rep. Ed Osienski is exploring solutions to expedite the process. This could involve having license holders sign affidavits attesting to their lack of criminal history. The governor’s office is in the process of selecting a new marijuana commissioner following the resignation of Rob Coupe.
The bill proposed by Sen. Paradee awaits a hearing in the Senate Elections and Government Affairs Committee. The goal is to bring common sense to the conversation and facilitate the establishment of marijuana businesses in Delaware. It is hoped that these efforts will help overcome obstacles and move the recreational marijuana market forward in the state.
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