Yesterday, Governor Matt Meyer and Marijuana Commissioner Josh Sanderlin toured First State Compassion, a MariMed-owned cannabis cultivation facility in Milford, to get a firsthand look at how the state’s newest industry is preparing to open its doors.
Governor Meyer stands in the left of the frame with a hair net, protective white jacket, and gloves. He is observing large, budding cannabis plants in front of him.
Governor Meyer and the Commissioner also met with students from Delaware Technical Community College who are part of the state’s first cannabis workforce training initiative. These students are learning industry best practices in cultivation, safe manufacturing protocols, and compliance—skills that will prepare them to step into jobs across the growing cannabis sector.
Delaware’s recreational cannabis market is projected to generate over $40 million in annual revenue, creating new job opportunities and investment pathways across the state.
“The recreational cannabis market is a real opportunity to grow our economy, create good-paying jobs, and allow us to right previous wrongs in our communities,” said Governor Matt Meyer. “The students at Del Tech who are already training to work in this new industry are an indicator that the future is bright. We’re committed to doing this the right way—with strong safety standards, quality training, and product testing that ensures Delawareans have access to safe, reliable cannabis. Delaware will truly be the French wine of weed.”
Six medical marijuana businesses with a total of 13 locations were awarded recreational licenses earlier this summer. The Office of the Marijuana Commissioner (OMC) is actively working to issue additional licenses, including social equity licenses, and ensure the full market rollout is equitable, safe, and efficient.
“We are working closely with partners across the cannabis industry to build a framework that is both effective and responsible,” said OMC Commissioner Josh Sanderlin. “Thanks to the dedication of our team at the Office of the Marijuana Commissioner, we’re making meaningful progress towards a marketplace that is safe, equitable, and built to serve all Delawareans.”
The Governor and Commissioner were joined by leadership from MariMed, which owns First State Compassion, as well as Delaware Tech faculty and workforce development staff. The group discussed job projections, upcoming retail activity, and ways to support long-term industry success.
Governor Meyer sits across from students in the Del Tech cannabis training program.
“This new and exciting industry promises great opportunities for Delaware’s workforce, from cultivation and laboratory testing to retail and regulatory compliance,” said Emily Wilkins, Educational Training Specialist, Del Tech, and VP of Compliance & Quality, MariMed. “With the proper training, standards, and support we can empower Delawareans to lead in this growing field while setting a benchmark for safety, equity, and professionalism.”
“I’ve witnessed firsthand the incredible potential of the cannabis industry to drive economic growth in Delaware,” Nick Lee, Senior Manager of Cultivation for MariMed’s First State Compassion. “Programs like the Cannabis Industry Training Program are more essential than ever. Cultivation plays a critical role in creating quality jobs and advancing expertise for as responsible an industry as possible.”
For any questions or to schedule a one-on-one interview with Governor Meyer, please email govcomm@delaware.gov.
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