Sussex County considers easing rules for cannabis dispensaries

SUSSEX COUNTY, De. — Sussex County may see changes in requirements for marijuana dispensaries.

Currently, dispensaries must be at least three miles away from towns that ban them. Towns such as Bethany Beach and Dewey Beach have banned all cannabis businesses, including production and manufacturing facilities. Assistant Sussex County Attorney Vince Robertson introduced the ordinance at Tuesday’s County Council meeting.

“The ordinance reduces the distance between the municipal boundary from three miles of the current business ZIP code down to one-half mile,” Robertson said.

Sussex County currently allows dispensaries to operate in the C-3 zoning district, conditionally. The amendment would move to “permitted use” in the C-2 and C-3 districts and eliminate the current conditional-use requirement. Dispensaries would still be kept at least three miles from schools, churches and substance abuse treatment facilities. However, an adjustment could be considered during a public hearing.

The ordinance states that its intent is to balance the health, safety, convenience, orderly growth and welfare of Sussex County residents.

Some residents, such as Marcus Marshall, said restrictions are preventing the marijuana sector in Delaware from taking off.

Others said as long as age restrictions are strictly enforced, they have no problem with looser zoning rules. Dispensary locations in Sussex County include Georgetown, Seaford, Milford, Frankford and Lewes.

“I agree we shouldn’t keep it too close to the schools, just being respectful to the environment and everything else. But besides that, if there’s no children around, I don’t see any issues, honestly,” Marshall said.

Keep up with WMDT’s reporting to see if the new ordinance passes.