Delaware gets new marijuana commissioner as adult-use sales loom

The Delaware Senate has approved cannabis attorney and lobbyist Joshua Sanderlin to lead the state’s Office of the Marijuana Commissioner.Sanderlin is the founder of Washington, D.C.-based Sanderlin Strategies, which provides cannabis law, compliance and government affairs services to the industry, according to Delaware Online ADVERTISEMENT Sanderlin will replace Delaware’s original marijuana commissioner, Robert Coupe, who resigned in January.

After Coupe’s departure, Deputy Marijuana Commissioner Paul Hyland ran the office on an interim basis.Sanderlin will lead efforts to launch Delaware’s recreational marijuana industry, which missed the spring 2025 target to begin adult-use sales.

The process, still in its background-check phase, was stalled when the FBI held up the fingerprinting process, Delaware Online reported.Sanderlin can award conditional licenses to people who pass background checks, according to the news outlet.

The licenses become active if a business opens within 18 months.If a business fails to open, its license could be rescinded.

ADVERTISEMENT In nominating Sanderlin in April, Gov.Matt Meyer lauded his pick’s experience and expertise.

“His experience navigating complex regulatory systems and work across the cannabis industry make him uniquely qualified to launch Delaware’s adult-use marijuana market quickly and correction,” Meyer said in a statement.“With Josh at the helm, we’re ready to build a system that is safe, transparent and delivers real opportunity for hardworking Delawareans.” ...