As Delaware prepares to launch its adult-use marijuana market, bicameral lawmakers have introduced a new bill that would allow existing medical cannabis businesses to convert to dual licensees that could serve both patients and recreational consumers starting this year—months earlier than the current sales timeline.
The legislation is being sponsored by Rep. Ed Osienski (D) and Sen. Trey Paradee (D), who championed the legalization law that’s being implemented and have taken a number of steps to build upon the reform this session.
HB 408 would create a “conversion license” category, laying out requirements for medical cannabis businesses to apply and also stipulating that the applicants who are denied due to local bans can apply for general licenses for a new location, which must be approved as long as they meet the requirements.
Prospective conversion licensees would have to demonstrate that they can continue to meet demand among patients, show plans to support the state’s social equity program and enter into a labor peace agreement with a “legitimate” union, for example.
“As Delaware moves closer to the launch of recreational marijuana sales, it’s important that we continue exploring and implementing policies that will bolster the program’s success and support both new
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