Delaware became the latest state to launch legal adult-use cannabis sales through its dispensaries, with the first sales beginning at the start of this month. Despite Delaware being a small state with a population of about 1 million people, the state is already selling an impressive amount of cannabis products.
“Friday, August 1, marks the first day of recreational marijuana sales in the First State with 12 medical dispensaries now also selling adult-use products.” reported Delaware Public Media about the number of dispensaries in the state selling recreational cannabis products. “Only two medical dispensaries in the state are not converting due to operating within municipalities that have banned recreational sales, which includes Fresh Cannabis operations in Milford and Seaford.”
In the first three days of legal adult-use cannabis sales in Delaware, the state’s 12 dispensaries selling recreational cannabis sold over $600,000 worth of adult-use products, in addition to hundreds of thousands of dollars of medical cannabis products.
“The inaugural three-day weekend (Friday to Sunday) had combined sales (adult and medical) of over $903,000, a measurable increase in sales pace that demonstrates robust demand and a successful market launch.” stated Delaware’s government in a news release. “The $625,000 in adult sales corresponds to an estimated $93,750 in tax revenue. Sales by county indicate that New Castle County (five locations) generated $432,319.78 in combined sales, followed by Sussex County (five locations) at $242,832.64, and Kent County (four locations) at $227,946.54.”
“Delaware’s first weekend of adult-use cannabis sales has shown that our state is ready—and eager—for a well-regulated, responsible market,” said Governor Matt Meyer. “This moment reflects our commitment to growing Delaware’s economy, strengthening our communities, and prioritizing public health. Now, we have a real opportunity to reinvest this revenue directly into neighborhoods across our state, ensuring Delaware becomes a national model for cannabis quality, innovation, and fairness. I’m proud we’re moving thoughtfully and deliberately to get this right for all Delawareans.”
The State of Delaware also determined the following about the first three days of legal adult-use sales:
- 56% of total sales were for cannabis flower
- 26% of total sales were for vape products
- 14% of total sales were for cannabis edibles
“Delaware’s transition to adult-use cannabis sales has exceeded expectations,” said Joshua Sanderlin, Delaware’s Marijuana Commissioner. “More than $900,000 in sales over the first three days reflects not only strong consumer demand, but also the readiness and professionalism of our licensed operators to serve the public safely and responsibly.
“This successful launch positions Delaware to realize the economic benefits of regulated cannabis sales while maintaining our commitment to public safety and responsible implementation,” said Secretary Joshua Bushweller, Department of Safety and Homeland Security.
A previous Delaware State Auditor’s report estimated that recreational cannabis sales in the state could generate $43 million in annual tax revenue. If the state’s legal dispensaries generated a reported $93,750 in tax revenue in a three day period, and that revenue rate was applied to a full year, it would work out to $11,406,250, for what that is worth.