Lewes bans retail sales of marijuana

The City of Lewes became the last Delaware coastal town to ban the retail sale of marijuana with a unanimous vote by mayor and city council Aug. 12

But, the panel voted to continue to study and consider the cultivation, manufacturing and testing components of the legal adult-use marijuana industry.

Delaware Marijuana Commissioner Rob Coupe will begin accepting online applications Monday, Aug. 19, for 125 available licenses.

Mayor Andrew Williams said it was important the city take action ahead of that date.

“If we did nothing, somebody could ask for a retail license, we would give it to them and they could sell marijuana or anything,” Williams said.

The state has imposed a 15% sales tax on all marijuana products. 

“It’s not clear what would be in it for the City of Lewes. We’re essentially just giving the state a sale point to collect the 15%,” Williams said.

There are 60 licenses available for cultivation, 30 for manufacturing, 30 for retail and five for testing facilities.

Deputy Mayor Khalil Saliba said there could be future economic opportunities for the city.

“We have a base of scientists here, and if they wanted to start a small testing lab, why not?” Saliba said.

The state legalized adult use marijuana in 2023.

The Lewes ban does not affect the use of marijuana in the city.