Delaware Governor Matt Meyer rejects bill loosening marijuana retail store regulations, sparking indignation among fellow Democratic colleagues

In a move that has stirred controversy, Delaware Governor Matt Meyer recently vetoed legislation that aimed to loosen local government regulations for recreational marijuana stores within the state's three counties.

The vetoed bill would have allowed retail cannabis outlets in commercial- or industrial-zoned areas, with certain distance requirements from schools, day cares, residential substance abuse treatment facilities, and parks. However, the counties have vocally opposed the bill, with Republican lawmakers expressing concerns over loss of local control.

Governor Meyer, in his defense, has advocated for counties and municipalities to receive 4.5% of the total marijuana tax money collected. He has also opposed taking local control away from counties and limiting setback requirements for schools to 500 feet.

State Sen. Trey Paradee, who sponsored the bill, is frustrated with Governor Meyer's veto, claiming a deal was made in late June for the bill to become law without Meyer's signature. Paradee stated that Meyer's actions have tarnished his reputation, referencing an old saying, "If you ain't got your word, you got nothing."

On the other hand, some cannabis advocates are pleased with Governor Meyer's decision, citing his proposed plan for revamping zoning restrictions. Zoe Patchell, from the Delaware Cannabis Advocacy Network, believes the governor's proposed plan will address both county and municipality issues.

However, James Brobyn, President of the Delaware Cannabis Industry Association, doesn't think the governor's zoning proposal will solve Sussex County's "total ban" on retail stores. The county has restricted retail stores to the C3 zoning district reserved for heavy commercial uses. Weed entrepreneurs in Delaware have complained that county ordinances like the one in Sussex County have boxed them out of every likely feasible location for setting up shop.

The veto comes as Delaware has authorized 30 recreational licenses for retail sales, which are still in the process of getting approved. The 13 medical marijuana dispensaries are able to sell recreational marijuana through conversion licenses designed to kick off the regulated commercial market. Retail sales of recreational marijuana started in Delaware on August 1.

It's important to note that the NCSL Foundation for State Legislatures, a non-partisan organisation, lists major corporations and organizations such as Airbnb, Amazon, AT&T, Chevron, Google, Johnson & Johnson, TikTok, Verizon, Walmart, Apple, Comcast, CVS Health, and many others as sponsors. These sponsors are distinguished across different sponsorship levels like Capitol Circle Sponsors ($50,000+) and Platinum Sponsors ($30,000).

Despite the ongoing controversy, Governor Meyer insists that his relationship with Senate Democrats is good. However, it has proved to be contentious at best since the start of his tenure in January. Brobyn believes the veto was to leverage the tax revenue the recreational weed market is expected to rake in.

As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how the counties will respond to Governor Meyer's veto and whether they will revise their zoning regulations to accommodate recreational marijuana stores.

Delaware Governor Matt Meyer rejects bill loosening marijuana retail store regulations, sparking indignation among fellow Democratic colleagues