While medical marijuana dispensaries in Delaware have been approved by voters since 2011, the voters have been stymied by the governor's office for more than four years. Now, even though the first dispensary is on the eve of opening for business, Dover continues to create obstacles for the medical marijuana industry in the state.
According to a recent report published by Delaware Online, "Delaware health regulations prevent the First State Compassion Center from cultivating more than 150 plants, or keeping an inventory of more than 1,500 ounces of the drug." This may not satisfy demand especially since other dispensaries have been caught up in red tape. Thus far, First State Compassion Center is the only dispensary approved to serve the public. 340 people in Delaware hold medical marijuana IDs and approximately 100 others have applied. These numbers are sure to grow. Without adequate supply, where will patients turn for their prescription?
The obstacles and political wrangling has led to considerable confusion. Until the confusion dissipates, people throughout Delaware who are suffering chronic pain, illness and other conditions alleviated by marijuana may continue to be forced to acquire their drug prescriptions illegally. This may lead to arrests and prosecution of some of the most vulnerable members of the state.