Best of the Week: August 1 – August 7, 2025

Let’s dive into the top stories shaping the conversation this week. Summaries of each article are listed below.

1. The Cannabist Company Announces They Have Begun Adult-Use Cannabis Sales in Delaware

The Cannabist Company recently announced that the company had started conducting adult-use cannabis sales in Delaware in each of their three Columbia Care cannabis dispensary locations throughout the state.

“We're excited to bring adult-use cannabis to Delaware and welcome new customers to our Delaware locations," said David Hart, CEO, The Cannabist Company. "Our teams have been preparing extensively for this launch. Whether you're an existing medical patient or new to cannabis, our focus remains on providing quality products and helpful guidance in a welcoming environment. We appreciate the support from Delaware communities as we take this next step together."

2. The Compliance Crisis: 10 Emerging Cannabis Compliance Issues in 2025

Check out this month’s Stuck on Compliance blog!

Here, Kim Anzarut, CQA, CP-FS, CEO and founder of Allay Consulting, explains the top 10 compliance issues shaping the industry in 2025—and how operators can prepare for success.

3. Study Finds Medical Cannabis Significantly Reduces Emergency and Urgent Care Visits for Chronic Pain Patients

A recently published study examined how the use of medical cannabis affected how often chronic pain patients use healthcare services. The study noted that chronic pain affects an estimated 20% of adults in the US, and patients are more likely to use emergency treatment services.

Researchers examined data from the telehealth platform Leafwell, analyzing patient self-reported data on urgent care visits, emergency department visits, hospitalizations, and quality of life. Overall, medical cannabis patients utilized healthcare significantly less often than non-patients.

4. Legal Adult-Use Cannabis Sales Launch in Delaware Beginning Today

Beginning August 1 in Delaware, adult-use cannabis sales are underway and available for purchase for adults ages 21 years old and older. Consumers in the First State are now able to legally purchase recreational cannabis and other cannabis products from cannabis retailers that are licensed in the state.

The Marijuana Control Act and the Office of the Marijuana Commissioner created regulatory framework that allows medical cannabis compassion centers who have been granted conversion licenses, the ability to participate in adult-use cannabis sales. As the cannabis industry in Delaware is underway, there will be additional licenses offered to other retail facilities, product manufacturers, testing laboratories, and cultivators.

Cannabis was legalized in Delaware in 2023, becoming the 22nd state in the US to do so. The OMC established comprehensive regulations in September 2024 to help guide the industry.

5. Delaware Generates More than $900k in Recreational Cannabis Sales on its First Weekend

Delaware has officially wrapped up their first weekend of recreational cannabis sales as of August 3, 2025. During the First State’s inaugural weekend, their cannabis sales brought in more than $903,000, which includes both recreational and medical cannabis transactions. A press release mentioned that, “The $625,000 in adult sales corresponds to an estimated $93,750 in tax revenue. Sales by county indicate that New Castle County (five locations) generated $432,319.78 in combined sales, followed by Sussex County (five locations) at $242,832.64, and Kent County (four locations) at $227,946.54.”

“Delaware’s first weekend of adult-use cannabis sales has shown that our state is ready—and eager—for a well-regulated, responsible market,” said Governor Matt Meyer in a press release.