Delaware's cannabis market made $53 million in its first year, marijuana commissioner says

Delaware cannabis industry continues to expand

According to the Office of the Marijuana Commissioner, Delaware's recreational marijuana market now includes 38 active licenses, across cultivation, manufacturing, retail and testing.

State officials say additional businesses are expected to open over the coming months as the market continues to grow.

Among those already serving customers is The Farm in Felton, a family-owned cannabis company that began as a medical marijuana dispensary before expanding into recreational sales.

"The last year has been great," said Jennifer Stark, CEO of The Farm. "Honestly, it's been a lifesaver for the entire cannabis industry."

Stark said recreational sales have helped bring in new customers who previously chose not to participate in Delaware's medical marijuana program.

"It's definitely been exciting to have people come in, and not everyone wanted to get a medical card," Stark said. "So we have a lot more recreational customers, and they really appreciate being able to come in to a local dispensary."

Store Manager Jim Van Patten said customers had been waiting years for legal recreational sales to begin.

"We're the only location here that has a drive-thru," Van Patten said. "Recreational customers have been waiting for years, and they're very happy that they can finally make purchases."