On Thursday, Sen. Trey Paradee, representing Delaware’s 17th District, introduced Senate Bill 75 to the Delaware Senate. This bill aims to limit the restrictive zoning regulations surrounding marijuana dispensaries in the state.
Delaware legalized recreational marijuana in April 2023, which allowed counties to control where these dispensaries could operate. However, Paradee pointed out that the stringent zoning laws in Sussex County have made it exceedingly difficult for new businesses to establish dispensaries.
He explained that current regulations prohibit the establishment of a retail facility within 3,000 feet of any daycare, school, park, or government building. This has resulted in a zoning map indicating very few locations where a state-issued license holder could legally set up a dispensary.
Paradee emphasized the importance of revising these zoning laws to encourage new businesses and improve access to recreational marijuana for residents. The introduction of SB 75 marks a significant step toward addressing these challenges in Sussex County.
As the bill progresses through the legislative process, it will be essential to monitor its impact on the local cannabis industry and how it may reshape the landscape for dispensaries in Delaware.
