The Office of the Marijuana Commissioner (OMC) is set to conduct its second marijuana license lottery tomorrow, December 19, at 1:00 p.m. in Dover.
The highly anticipated event, which will be livestreamed on Facebook, will determine the recipients of 15 retail licenses in Delaware, marking a significant step in the state’s move toward establishing a regulated recreational marijuana market.
A total of 529 applicants have advanced to this lottery stage (selected December 13), with licenses distributed by county as follows: seven in New Castle County, three in Kent County, and five in Sussex County. Applicants were assigned lottery numbers after meeting the minimum qualifications and paying required fees. Separate drawings for each county will be held, and the process will be broadcast live on Facebook via the “Office of The Marijuana Commissioner” page, ensuring transparency.
Successful applicants from tomorrow’s drawing will move forward to the Supplemental Application Process, which is necessary to secure a Conditional License. This license is a precursor to the Active License required to begin operations. However, retail sales are not expected to commence until sometime in 2025, as businesses work to meet all regulatory requirements outlined in the Delaware Marijuana Control Act.
The OMC previously conducted lotteries for cultivation and testing licenses earlier this fall. Tomorrow’s event signals continued progress in Delaware’s efforts to develop a sustainable marijuana industry.
Applicants and interested parties are encouraged to follow the livestream to witness the selection process and stay informed about the next steps for Delaware’s emerging marijuana market. Based on the current trajectory, licensed recreational marijuana stores should be open in Delaware by mid-2025.
