After declining to legalize cannabis for adult recreational use last year, Delaware Gov. John Carney finally allowed the passing of two House bills into law last week. Called House Bill 1 and House Bill 2, the bills were passed into law without the governor’s signature. They legalize cannabis consumption and possession for adults 21 and older. They also establish a regulatory framework for the cannabis industry. Noteworthy, people are prohibited from growing cannabis in their homes or consuming cannabis in public places. This makes Delaware the 22nd U.S. state to legalize the adult-use cannabis industry.
The state will levy up to 15% tax on retail sales and says it will invest roughly half of the tax revenue to help communities most impacted by the prohibition of cannabis and the war on drugs. Delaware has already received up to 30 adult-use retail applications, but sales will not begin until August 2024.
