DOVER – Thanks to a recently signed bill, Delaware is now able to proceed with its budding adult-use marijuana industry.
Governor Matt Meyer signed a bill designed to fix a snag in the First State’s request to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to create and thus impose a fingerprint background check system. The request was initially denied as the FBI claimed Delaware’s code was not specific enough for the needs requested.
As a result, the Office of the Marijuana Commissioner received partial approval for the approved language outlined in House Bill 110. The bill added clarifying language, sponsored by Representative Ed Osienski, was drafted to alleviate the concerns of the FBI.
HB 110 was signed by Meyer on April 24 which effectively named “. . .the persons required to obtain a fingerprint-based national criminal background check in connection with. . .” licensed marijuana establishments.
The Office of the Marijuana Commissioner announced on May 5 that the FBI had approved most of the language, except to the term “agent” for being overly broad. The state marijuana office will work with the General Assembly to make the correction.
“Delaware’s recreational cannabis industry is going to create good-paying jobs and provide critical revenue for the state to help pay for schools, housing, and health care. House Bill 110 will strengthen our background check requirements, align our practices with federal standards, and safeguard public trust,” Meyer said in a press release.
The hurdle presented by the FBI has not been the only obstacle preventing Delaware’s newest business owners from starting their operations. Zoning restrictions in all three counties, along with financial and other costly barriers.
The state’s first marijuana commissioner, Rob Coupe, stepped down in the middle of January, as well, creating more obstacles as the new industry which could bring in millions in tax revenue– if it could get started.
He held the role for about a year and a half. Although the position continues to sit vacant, Meyer has appointed marijuana attorney and advocate Josh Sanderlin to the role. Sanderlin still needs to be confirmed by the Delaware Senate before he can begin to help the industry finally get its start.
““Delawareans have waited long enough for a safe, legal adult-use market, and I’m glad to see that implementation is getting back on track. I want to thank my colleagues in the General Assembly for advancing HB 110 quickly, the Governor for signing it without delay, and the Office of the Marijuana Commissioner for diligently working to move the process ahead,” Osienski said in a press release Monday night.
Editor’s Note: This story has been updated to reflect the news about the FBI approval.
