SUSSEX COUNTY READIES FOR MARIJUANA REGULATIONS
Sussex County officials gear up for the impending wave of marijuana business regulations following Delaware’s legalization of recreational marijuana last year. Expected to take effect on July 5, new state laws prompt proactive measures from county authorities.
Under the anticipated regulations, the Office of the marijuana commissioner plans to distribute licenses for 60 cultivators, 30 manufacturers, 30 retailers, and five testing facilities. Sussex County, however, aims to regulate these establishments by controlling their permissible locations through zoning ordinances.
County attorney Vince Robertson has been actively briefing the county council and planning and zoning commission on the proposed regulations. According to Robertson, all marijuana facilities must obtain zoning approval from Sussex county before obtaining a state license. Retail businesses further require a conditional use permit from the county council.
If adopted, the ordinance would facilitate the operation of cultivation, manufacturing, and testing facilities across various zoning districts, with retail stores restricted to c-3 heavy commercial districts. However, the exact acreage of C-3 zones remains undetermined, posing a challenge for stakeholders in navigating the regulatory landscape.
Visit: omc.delaware.gov
