After years of delays, state officials are requesting bids to open medical marijuana dispensaries in Kent and Sussex Counties.
The Department of Health and Social Services put out the bid request last week, saying they want to expand access to the drug for patients downstate
Those who are allowed to buy the drug have frequently criticized state officials about the great distances they need to drive to buy marijuana if they live outside New Castle County.
Delaware lawmakers legalized medical marijuana in 2011, but only opened the state’s first dispensary near Wilmington in June.
Gov. Jack Markell halted work on developing the program shortly after signing it into law - citing concerns it could run afoul of federal law that makes marijuana illegal. Markell revived efforts to build the program in August 2013.
Anyone interested in applying must be a non-profit company, pay a $5,000 application fee and submit their bid documents by March 30th.
