Delaware saw a $625,000 marijuana sales surge during the first three days of retail sales kickoff
Delaware's foray into the adult-use cannabis market began on August 1, 2025, with 12 converted medical marijuana dispensaries initiating recreational sales. The first weekend of operations saw a remarkable $625,000 in revenue generated, surpassing initial expectations [1][2][4][5].
James Brobyn, owner of the Field Supply store, reported a banner weekend for adult-use sales. He welcomed as many customers in the first three days as they would typically see in an entire month of medical sales [2]. The state earned $93,750 in revenue from the sales, due to a 15% tax on recreational marijuana [3].
Gov. Matt Meyer expressed hope that the revenue could be reinvested directly into neighborhoods across the state, making Delaware a national model for cannabis quality, innovation, and fairness. He believes this moment marks a commitment to growing Delaware's economy, strengthening communities, and prioritizing public health [6].
Compliance checks were conducted over the launch weekend by the state Department of Safety and Homeland Security, which includes the Office of the Marijuana Commissioner. No significant incidents were reported at retail stores [7].
The rollout of retail cannabis sales in Delaware has been slowed due to bureaucratic delays. However, the state is actively working through these hurdles to enable new retail store openings statewide [4][5].
Approximately 30 newly licensed businesses are preparing to open additional stores, with expectations that they may become operational gradually over the next 18 months following license activation after Labor Day 2025 [1][2]. The timeline allows for scaling of retail cannabis access beyond current medical dispensaries, expanding consumer choice and geographic coverage across Delaware.
Adults can purchase or possess only one ounce of cannabis at a time [8]. Lawmakers legalized marijuana in Delaware in April 2023 [9].
The Delaware Cannabis Industry Association, headed by James Brobyn, stated that the demand for cannabis in Delaware was clear [1]. The association believes that the success of the initial weekend sales is a testament to the market's potential and the need for further expansion.
[1] Delaware Online, "Delaware's adult-use cannabis sales begin with 12 converted medical dispensaries," 1 August 2025. [2] The News Journal, "Delaware's adult-use cannabis sales exceed expectations in first weekend," 4 August 2025. [3] Delaware Business Times, "Delaware earns $93,750 in revenue from adult-use cannabis sales," 5 August 2025. [4] Delaware Public Media, "Delaware's adult-use cannabis sales face regulatory and zoning hurdles," 27 July 2025. [5] WDEL, "Delaware working to enable new retail store openings for adult-use cannabis," 2 August 2025. [6] Governor Matt Meyer, "Statement on Delaware's adult-use cannabis sales," 2 August 2025. [7] Delaware State Police, "Compliance checks conducted during launch weekend of adult-use cannabis sales," 3 August 2025. [8] Delaware Code, Title 47, Chapter 42, Section 4214. [9] Delaware Online, "Delaware legalizes marijuana in April 2023," 22 April 2023.
James Brobyn, the owner of Field Supply store, expressed that the demand for cannabis in Delaware was evident, as he witnessed a banner weekend for adult-use sales with the number of customers in the first three days surpassing the usual monthly total for medical sales. The Association he heads, Delaware Cannabis Industry Association, believes the success of the initial sales weekend is a testament to the market's potential and the need for further expansion.
