Delaware starts selling recreational marijuana in Diamond State

Delaware will begin raking in the green on recreational marijuana sales.

Starting Friday, adults 21 and over can buy cannabis at 12 retail locations in the Diamond State.

People can purchase or possess no more than one ounce of buds or other "leaf" marijuana at one time.

ALSO SEE: Bipartisan legislation aims to legalize adult-use cannabis in Pennsylvania

Medical marijuana has been legal in Delaware since 2011, but recreational use met opposition.

The law approving recreational use was passed in 2023.

Former Governor John Carney opposed legalizing recreational use for years, with supporters holding protests. Then, in 2023, Carney allowed bills legalizing recreational use to become law without his signature.

There have been some setbacks in getting the market up and running, including delays in FBI background checks. So, to kickstart the opening, legislators are allowing the states medical dispensaries to sell.

The regulated market will be overseen by the office of the marijuana commissioner.

Unlike medical marijuana purchases, which are not taxed for cardholders, retail weed will carry a 15% sales tax.

Also, under state law, people cannot take the marijuana they buy across state lines nor can they get high while they're in public. So, you need to be at someone's house, for example, and you cannot drive under the influence.

New Jersey already has recreational use as of 2022, but only medical use is allowed in Pennsylvania.

Current governor, Matt Meyer, says the new industry will generate revenue to strengthen schools, infrastructure, and public health systems.