Quick Facts
| Legal Status | Medical Since | Adult Use | Access Type | Est. Cost | Insurance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Legal — Adult Use + Medical | 2011 (medical) / 2023 (adult use) | Yes (HB 1, 2023) | Licensed dispensaries — retail sales from 2024 | USD 40-75/eighth | No |
Legal Timeline
| Year | Development |
|---|---|
| 2011 | Delaware passes medical cannabis law — regulated compassionate use programme |
| 2015 | First medical dispensary opens after delayed rollout |
| 2022 | Governor Carney vetoes adult-use bill; legislature plans override |
| 2023 | HB 1 and HB 2 pass — adult-use cannabis legalised effective April 2023 |
| 2024 | Adult-use retail sales begin through licensed dispensaries |
How to Access Cannabis in Delaware
- Adults 21+ may purchase up to 1oz from licensed dispensaries with valid ID
- No medical card required for adult-use purchase
- Home cultivation: adults may grow up to 3 plants at home for personal use
- For medical card: consult a physician and register with the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS)
- Medical patients may possess up to 6oz
Qualifying Medical Conditions
- Chronic debilitating disease
- Cancer
- HIV/AIDS
- Decompensated cirrhosis
- ALS
- PTSD
- Chronic pain
- Multiple sclerosis
- Agitation from Alzheimer's
- Epilepsy
Licensed Dispensaries & Providers
| Provider | Website | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Delaware DHSS | dhss.delaware.gov | Dept of Health and Social Services — cannabis regulator and patient registry |
| Compassionate Care of Delaware | N/A | Delaware medical and adult-use dispensary |
| First State Compassion | N/A | Licensed Delaware dispensary network |
Cost Breakdown
| Item | Estimated Cost (USD) | Insurance Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Flower — 1/8 oz (3.5g) | USD 40-75 | No coverage |
| Vape cartridge (0.5g) | USD 35-65 | No coverage |
| Tincture (30ml) | USD 40-60 | No coverage |
| Medical card (annual) | USD 50 | Not covered |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is cannabis legal in Delaware?+
Yes — Delaware legalised adult-use cannabis in 2023. Adults 21+ may purchase up to 1oz, possess up to 1oz, and grow up to 3 plants at home. Retail sales launched in 2024.
When did adult-use cannabis sales start in Delaware?+
Adult-use retail sales began in 2024 through Delaware's existing medical dispensaries after they converted to dual adult-use/medical licences.
Can I grow cannabis at home in Delaware?+
Yes — adults 21+ may grow up to 3 plants at home for personal use under the 2023 adult-use law.
How do I get a medical card in Delaware?+
Obtain a physician certification for a qualifying condition, then register with the Delaware DHSS. The card costs USD 50 per year and allows possession of up to 6oz.
Is there a cannabis tax in Delaware?+
Yes — adult-use cannabis sales are subject to a 15% excise tax in addition to standard state sales tax. Medical cannabis purchases are exempt from excise tax.
Can I consume cannabis in public in Delaware?+
No — public consumption remains illegal. Cannabis may only be consumed on private property. Violation is a civil infraction.