Delaware is a limited license state. Currently, only three operators exist within the state that own all six dispensary licenses. Local jurisdictions can not opt out of the market and prohibit registered compassion center operation altogether. However, though they can create restrictions.

Delaware distributes medical cannabis licenses through a merit system.

Delaware’s medical framework disqualifies applicants for cannabis licensure on the basis of certain convictions. A license will not be granted to an individual convicted of a violent felony, an individual convicted of a felony drug offense within 10 years or  misdemeanor drug offense, within 5 years from the date of application.

Delaware’s medical framework disqualifies applicants for cannabis licensure on the basis of certain convictions. A registered compassion center or a registered safety compliance facility may not employ a person who has been convicted of a violent felony, an individual convicted of a felony drug offense within 10 years or  misdemeanor drug offense, within 5 years from the date of application.

Delaware offers record cleaning remedies for certain cannabis convictions, however, this process is not automatic and requires action from the individual. Individuals convicted of a single offense arising from a cannabis possession charge are eligible for a mandatory expungement, however this process is not automatic.  (This remedy is specific to cannabis.) (2018). Individuals with no prior or subsequent convictions may petition to expunge a misdemeanor after three or five years and a felony after seven years. (This remedy is not specific to cannabis.) (2019).