Fresh Delaware, a well-known medical marijuana dispensary in Newark, is taking a big step forward. The Newark City Council has unanimously approved a special-use permit, allowing the business to expand into recreational cannabis sales. While the company still needs final approval from the state’s Office of the Marijuana Commissioner, this decision marks a major milestone for the growing cannabis market in Delaware.
What This Means for Fresh Delaware
- Increased Sales Space – To accommodate recreational sales, Fresh Delaware plans to reconfigure its store at 800 Ogletown Road, adding nine additional cash registers while keeping three dedicated to medical customers.
- More Jobs – The expansion will double the company’s staff and bring in additional security personnel, many of whom are retired state troopers.
- Faster Service – Customers will be encouraged to order online, allowing up to 200 transactions per hour with a streamlined pickup process.
- Continued Commitment to Medical Patients – Despite the shift to recreational sales, medical marijuana patients will remain a priority. They will have a dedicated parking area and exclusive service lanes to ensure quick and efficient access to their prescriptions.
A Growing Industry in Delaware
Delaware legalized marijuana last year, setting in motion a process to approve licenses for recreational dispensaries and cultivation facilities. Existing medical dispensaries, like Fresh Delaware, can apply to expand their operations.
CEO Kristopher Kiely emphasized that securing a recreational license is essential to the business’s future. “I feel it’s absolutely essential to the survival of the business,” Kiely said, noting that medical marijuana sales often decline when states legalize recreational use.
You may also want to check out The Delaware Marijuana Control Act
Community and Safety Concerns Addressed
Fresh Delaware’s strong reputation in the community played a key role in securing city approval. Planning Director Renee Bensley confirmed that local officials, including law enforcement, had no objections to the expansion.
Safety remains a top priority for Fresh Delaware, which already has an extensive security system in place, including:
- 60 surveillance cameras
- A professional monitoring company
- Burglar alarms and motion detectors
- Roll-down security gates and a perimeter fence
“We take security seriously,” company representative Justin Weisser said. “Our customers can feel safe knowing we have strong measures in place.”
A Personal Mission
Beyond business, Fresh Delaware’s leadership has a personal connection to the benefits of medical marijuana. Weisser shared that his late mother, once opposed to cannabis use, found relief from her cancer symptoms with marijuana in her final days. “That’s really why I got into the business,” he said.
When Will Sales Begin?
Fresh Delaware hopes to launch recreational sales this spring, but the exact timeline depends on the state’s approval process. As Newark positions itself as a leader in Delaware’s cannabis industry, Fresh Delaware is set to play a major role in shaping the future of legal marijuana in the state.
