Senate Bill 75 Seeks to Expand Retail Cannabis Access in Delaware

26 March 2025

As Delaware moves toward launching its recreational cannabis market, a new bill—Senate Bill 75—is at the center of a growing debate between state lawmakers and local governments. The bill (PDF), sponsored by Sen. Trey Paradee (D-Dover), would limit the ability of counties and municipalities to block cannabis businesses by setting statewide zoning standards and reducing buffer zones around schools, churches, and other sensitive sites to 500 feet.

The push comes after more than a third of Delaware municipalities banned cannabis businesses, and some counties imposed buffer zones as large as 3,000 feet—making it nearly impossible for retailers to find legal property. The result: long delays in opening dispensaries, limited access for consumers, and missed economic opportunities.

For Delaware cannabis users, medical cannabis patients, and business owners—especially those holding social equity or conversion licenses—SB 75 could provide much-needed clarity and open more doors. The bill would also allow medical dispensaries to begin recreational sales from their current locations, even if those sites no longer meet updated local zoning laws.

Supporters argue this is essential to get the legal market off the ground, reduce reliance on the illicit market, and finally deliver tax revenue and jobs to Delaware communities. But some county officials see the bill as an overreach and are preparing to challenge it, potentially in court.

If passed, SB 75 would mark a major shift in how Delaware balances state cannabis policy with local control—and could be key to whether legal cannabis becomes truly accessible statewide.