As Delaware prepares to launch its legal cannabis market, advocates are expressing frustration over the dwindling number of potential retail locations due to a wave of local bans and restrictions. With the state having legalized marijuana last year, the anticipation for retail stores has been met with significant hurdles, particularly in Sussex County and Wilmington.
Local Bans Create Limited Options
When Delaware legalized recreational marijuana, the state authorized 30 retail stores, with designated allocations for each county. However, many towns have opted to ban retail cannabis sales altogether, severely limiting where these businesses can operate. In Sussex County, towns such as Seaford, Dagsboro, and Rehoboth Beach have enacted outright bans, while Middletown and Newark have imposed strict limitations.
- Key Restrictions:
- Sussex County has restricted retail stores to C3 zoning districts, which are primarily for heavy commercial use.
- A three-mile buffer from municipalities, schools, and treatment centers effectively eliminates available land for cannabis retail.
- Wilmington’s planning commission has proposed a 300-foot buffer from residential areas, further constraining potential locations.
Zoe Patchel, head of the Delaware Cannabis Advocacy Network, argues that these restrictions amount to a “total ban” on retail cannabis in Sussex County. She points out that the limited C3-zoned land is insufficient for any legal business to operate, calling the situation “undemocratic.”
The Economic Impact of Restrictions
The restrictions on cannabis retail not only frustrate advocates but also threaten to undermine the economic potential of the newly legalized market. Patchel estimates that the cannabis industry could generate millions in tax revenue for the state, but local bans could stifle this opportunity.
State Rep. Ed Osienski, who sponsored the legalization bills, expressed his disappointment with how municipalities are treating cannabis businesses compared to alcohol sales. “You can pretty much walk down any Main Street in any municipality and find a liquor store,” he noted, highlighting the inconsistency in how different substances are regulated.
Challenges Ahead for Cannabis Entrepreneurs
As the state prepares to issue licenses for cannabis retail, the environment for new businesses is becoming increasingly challenging. Robert Coupe, Delaware’s marijuana commissioner, acknowledged the difficulties posed by local restrictions. While Kent and New Castle counties are not imposing similar barriers, the situation in Sussex County and Wilmington complicates the landscape for potential cannabis entrepreneurs.
Coupe emphasized the importance of safety and regulation for cannabis businesses, noting that stores will have strict guidelines on advertising and customer interaction. “They’re not going to be able to hang out there. They come in, they get their product, they leave,” he explained.
Wilmington’s Approach to Cannabis Retail
In Wilmington, Mayor Mike Purzycki has made it clear that he wants to shield residential areas from cannabis businesses. His administration has proposed prohibiting marijuana establishments from being within 100 feet of residential zones and schools, limiting their placement to commercial and manufacturing districts.
The planning commission’s proposal aims to create a controlled environment for cannabis retail while addressing community concerns. However, the outgoing mayor’s stance has raised questions about the accessibility of cannabis products for residents who may benefit from them.
