Officials report strong start for Delaware’s recreational marijuana sales

DELAWARE – Officials in the First State are reporting a strong start to adult-use recreational marijuana sales, which began on August 1st.

Between August 1st and August 3rd, the Delaware Office of the Marijuana Commissioner reported that customers spent $625,000 on adult-use recreational marijuana. That worked out to an estimated $93,600 in tax revenue. New Castle County’s five locations saw the highest numbers, generating $432,319.78 in combined recreational and medical marijuana sales. Sussex County’s five locations brought in $242,832.64, and Kent County’s four locations $227,946.54, respectively, in combined such sales.

By the numbers, recreational marijuana users largely favored the flower, purchasing $509,042.59 of the product, marking 56% of total sales. Marijuana vape sales came in second, at $223,267.82, or 26% of total sales. Edibles infused with marijuana made up 14% of total sales, at $123,768.

In total, recreational and medical marijuana sales racked up to $903,098.96 during that period. While medical marijuana is tax-exempt, by law, recreational marijuana in Delaware is taxed at a rate of 15%. Tax revenue from those sales will be used for regulatory oversight, public health initiatives, and community programs throughout the state.

To date, 64 conditional licenses have been issued for Delaware’s growing recreational marijuana market. The state will also begin to disburse Social Equity Financial Assistance Grants to support such licensees as they move toward opening their facilities. A review of all Office of Marijuana Commissioner regulations is also currently underway.