DOVER, DE- Delaware lawmakers introduced House Bill 110 on Thursday to clarify language regarding background checks, seeking to resolve the FBI delays that have stalled the state’s recreational marijuana industry.
State-issued license holders, who were expected to open their businesses by now, remain in limbo due to FBI background check complications.
Zoe Patchell, with the Delaware Cannabis Advocacy Network, explained the frustration.
"Several months after businesses were supposed to be licensed, we’re hearing the FBI has flat-out rejected the proposal. The process submitted was the same one approved for medical marijuana dispensaries under previous administrations."
Patchell also raised concerns that the delays may block the entire industry, even before it begins.
"There certainly are looming concerns about whether this is just a wild goose chase that the federal government is putting the state of Delaware through to obstruct legalization here."
Senator Trey Paradee (D-District 17), co-sponsor of House Bill 110, explains that the bill aims to clarify language related to the background check system by requiring fingerprint-based checks for license applicants, board members, and employees of marijuana businesses.
"What this bill is intended to do is clean up the Delaware code to make sure that we are in compliance with the FBI program."
Paradee says the delays have cost Delaware millions in potential revenue as customers cross state lines to neighboring markets like Maryland and New Jersey.
"By some estimates, we could be missing up to $40 million a year in additional state revenue—could be even higher."
Paradee said the bill will be reviewed on the House floor next Thursday and hopes it will move through the Senate and reach a final vote within the next two weeks.