Robert M. Coupe, Delaware’s first marijuana commissioner, is stepping down after a 40-year career in public service to join the private sector as Chief of Staff at CRx Construction in Rehoboth Beach.
During his tenure, Coupe led the newly established Office of the Marijuana Commissioner, overseeing the implementation of Delaware’s regulated adult-use marijuana market under the Marijuana Control Act, which took effect in August 2023.
“It has been an honor to serve in this role and a privilege to work alongside the dedicated women and men of the Office of the Marijuana Commissioner,” Coupe said. “Throughout my career I have been inspired to be at my best and earn the right each day to work alongside such talented individuals. I am grateful for all the people that have supported me throughout this journey.”
Coupe’s leadership in Delaware included key roles across various state agencies, including superintendent of the Delaware State Police, cabinet secretary of the Department of Safety and Homeland Security, and commissioner of the Department of Correction. His work with the Office of the Marijuana Commissioner included distributing licenses for cultivation, manufacturing, retail, and testing facilities, and advocating for legislative initiatives to support the state’s marijuana market.
He also facilitated the merger of the Division of Public Health’s Medical Marijuana Program with the Office of the Marijuana Commissioner, creating a unified structure to oversee both medical and adult-use marijuana programs. Additionally, Coupe organized four social equity workshops across the state, offering resources on legal, financial, and operational matters to assist individuals seeking social equity licenses.
“As I’ve said before, there are few people across our state who are more well-respected and more committed to serving the people of Delaware, than Rob Coupe,” said Governor John Carney. “I knew he was the right person to take on the challenge of serving as Delaware’s first Marijuana Commissioner and he has proven his success leading that Office. Commissioner Coupe has a reputation in public service that goes well beyond his most recent post. He has served this state for decades, from his start as a Trooper with the Delaware State Police, where he rose to be Superintendent, to his time as Secretary of the Department of Safety and Homeland Security and Commissioner of the Department of Correction. I want to thank Rob Coupe for his dedicated service and wish him well in his next chapter.”
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