Delaware Governor Matt Meyer Toured a Cannabis Cultivation Facility Prior To The Introduction of Recreational Cannabis Sales

Image | adobe.stock/RYLAND ZWEIFEL

Prior to the launch of recreational cannabis sales in Delaware, Governor Matt Meyer, as well as Marijuana Commissioner Josh Sanderlin, toured a cannabis cultivation facility called First State Compassion, which is owned by MariMed (1). Additionally, they met with Delaware Technical Community College students which were from the state’s first cannabis workforce training initiative. In this program, students are educated on the best practices within the industry on subjects such as, compliance, cultivation, and safe manufacturing protocols (1).

Cannabis was legalized in Delaware in 2023, becoming the 22nd state in the US to do so (2). Legal recreational cannabis sales began commencing on August 1, 2025 (3). On the First State’s inaugural weekend, their cannabis sales brought in more than $903,000, which includes both recreational and medical cannabis transactions (4).

The recreational cannabis market is anticipated to bring in more than $40 million in annual revenue which will also help create new investments and job opportunities in the state (1).

“The recreational cannabis market is a real opportunity to grow our economy, create good-paying jobs, and allow us to right previous wrongs in our communities,” said Governor Matt Meyer (1). “The students at Del Tech who are already training to work in this new industry are an indicator that the future is bright. We’re committed to doing this the right way—with strong safety standards, quality training, and product testing that ensures Delawareans have access to safe, reliable cannabis. Delaware will truly be the French wine of weed.”

“We are working closely with partners across the cannabis industry to build a framework that is both effective and responsible,” said OMC Commissioner Josh Sanderlin (1). “Thanks to the dedication of our team at the Office of the Marijuana Commissioner, we’re making meaningful progress towards a marketplace that is safe, equitable, and built to serve all Delawareans.”

“This new and exciting industry promises great opportunities for Delaware’s workforce, from cultivation and laboratory testing to retail and regulatory compliance,” said Emily Wilkins, Educational Training Specialist, Del Tech, and VP of Compliance & Quality, MariMed (1). “With the proper training, standards, and support we can empower Delawareans to lead in this growing field while setting a benchmark for safety, equity, and professionalism.”

“I’ve witnessed firsthand the incredible potential of the cannabis industry to drive economic growth in Delaware,” Nick Lee, Senior Manager of Cultivation for MariMed’s First State Compassion (1). “Programs like the Cannabis Industry Training Program are more essential than ever. Cultivation plays a critical role in creating quality jobs and advancing expertise for as responsible an industry as possible.”

References

1. Governor Meyer tours cannabis cultivation facility ahead of recreational sales launch https://news.delaware.gov/2025/07/31/governor-meyer-tours-cannabis-cultivation-facility-ahead-of-recreational-sales-launch/ (accessed Aug 7, 2025).
2. Colli, M. Delaware becomes 22nd state to legalize recreational cannabis https://www.cannabissciencetech.com/view/delaware-becomes-22nd-state-to-legalize-recreational-cannabis (accessed Aug 7, 2025).
3. Colli, M. Legal adult-use cannabis sales launch in Delaware beginning today https://www.cannabissciencetech.com/view/legal-adult-use-cannabis-sales-launch-in-delaware-beginning-today (accessed Aug 7, 2025).
4. Colli, M. Delaware generates more than $900K in recreational cannabis sales on it’s first weekend https://www.cannabissciencetech.com/view/delaware-generates-more-than-900k-in-recreational-cannabis-sales-on-its-first-weekend (accessed Aug 7, 2025).