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They got busted for weed. Now Del. might license them to grow or sell it legally

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They got busted for weed. Now Del. might license them to grow or sell it legally


‘Literally, 10–20 years ago, we were hiding it. Now it’s legal’

Even though costs are high and regulations stiff, Hyland said he expects up to 200 applicants for the 47 social equity licenses. To that end, several prospective applicants trekked to Delaware Tech, hungry for info about getting into the new industry.

Deputy Marijuana Commissioner Paul Hyland addresses the forum at Delaware Tech. (Cris Barrish/WHYY)

Watson, who runs a cleaning business, said he’s been to cannabis industry events in other states while preparing to apply in Delaware.

“Actually, I’m interested in cultivation, manufacturing and retail,’’ Watson said. “I’m going for all three licenses.”

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Watson said he qualifies as a social equity applicant because of a prior conviction and the fact that he lives in a northeast Wilmington neighborhood where police have frequently made marijuana and other drug arrests.

He’s eyeing sites in rural Kent County to grow weed and to manufacture gummies and other edible and prepackaged products such as tinctures and oils. For a retail storefront, he’s looking at “somewhere close to the highway’’ so it’s convenient for customers.

Watson’s also amazed that he’s in a position to deal weed with a state-issued license.

“Literally, 10–20 years ago, we were hiding it. Now it’s legal,’’ Watson said. “You can get it for your medicinal purposes and now it’s going to be recreational. It’s a bright future.”

Rall, who grew up in Dover and lives in New Castle County, got busted for possession in college but now has a CBD store that sells hemp-based cannabis products off Kirkwood Highway.

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Matthew Rall
Matthew Rall has a CBD store but wants to get a marijuana license. (Cris Barrish/WHYY)

Rall said he was previously involved in the medical marijuana business in California, and now that recreational use is legal in his home state, he wants in.

“I do have retail experience, so in that sense, I might look better on paper for a retail application,’’ Rall said. “I feel like my heart’s more like I want to cultivate, but I’m willing just to get my foot in the door because I’ve been doing this for a long time.”

Lawmakers consider bill that would provide social equity grants

Rall said he’s been lining up investors but is also interested in a possible pool of a few million dollars in grants that could be available to help social equity licensees get started.

That money hinges on a bill that would let current medical marijuana licensees convert to recreational licenses for a $200,000 fee. The legislation passed in the state House this month and awaits action in the Senate. Rep. Ed Osienski, the House sponsor, says he’s confident it will pass before the General Assembly adjourns June 30.

While some critics say the measure would give medical licensees an unfair leg up in recreational sales, Hyland said it would also help recreational sales begin in the spring of 2025. That’s  because medical licensees would be able to start growing recreational weed before other licensees. Otherwise, Hyland said, recreational retail sales might not start until sometime in 2026.

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The Delaware Tech event also drew interested parties like Fairley, who said he’s looking to generate income to supplement his pay at the Port of Wilmington.

Anthony Fairley
Anthony Fairley is a longshoreman who wants to get into the legal marijuana business. (Cris Barrish/WHYY)

“I’m looking to get education, see what’s going on. What’s the positives? What’s the negatives?” Fairley said. “It’s a growing business. So you know, it’s always good to think about your future. You never know what can happen in life. You can always set yourself up for a safety net.”



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Delaware

What to know ahead of post-holiday travel this weekend as new storm system moves in

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What to know ahead of post-holiday travel this weekend as new storm system moves in


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If you’re planning any holiday travel this weekend, make sure to factor in some extra time.

A new storm system loaded with moisture rolling up from the Gulf of Mexico is expected to bring heavy rain and potential flooding along the I-95 corridor, according to AccuWeather. Similar weather is predicted across the Southeast and Midwest.

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The warm air will bring thunderstorms across most of Delaware between Friday and Sunday night, with the heaviest rain predicted to fall between Sunday afternoon and evening.

AccuWeather said poor visibility and possible flooding could lead to “substantial” travel delays. Meteorologists recommend shifting travel times to before or after the storm.

Also, temperatures will rise over the weekend, with highs in the 50s or above.



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Ex-NFL star DeSean Jackson finalizing deal to become head coach at Delaware State

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Ex-NFL star DeSean Jackson finalizing deal to become head coach at Delaware State


Former Eagles wide receiver DeSean Jackson is reportedly closing in on an agreement to become the next head coach at Delaware State University. 

Jackson, 38, had an on-campus interview, and the school and ex-NFL wideout are expected to “come together” soon,” ESPN reported Thursday.

It was also reported that coaching at a historically black college or university (HBCU) was a “dream” for Jackson. 

DeSean Jackson is close to becoming the next coach at Delaware State. Charles Wenzelberg/New York Post

Jackson spent 15 years in the NFL with the Eagles, Washington, Rams, Raiders and Ravens, with his last season coming in 2022.

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The three-time Pro Bowler does have coaching experience, serving as an assistant coach at Woodrow Wilson High School in his hometown of Long Beach, Calif. this year.

He is now getting close to taking over the football program at the HBCU that had just one win in 2024 and one win in 2023 after going 5-6 in 2022.

Now, the school will see if some of Jackson’s experience can rub off on the program. 

DeSean Jackson was a three-time Pro Bowler in the NFL. AP

Jackson finished his NFL career with 641 catches, 11,263 yards and 66 total touchdowns.

That came after a memorable college career at Cal, where he recorded 2,423 yards and 23 total touchdowns, earning All-American nods in 2006 and 2007. 

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The news about Jackson’s hiring came just days after former Eagles QB Michael Vick — and Jackson’s former teammate — was hired by Norfolk State to be its next coach. 

DeSean Jackson played 15 years in the NFL. AP

If Jackson’s deal goes through, he will run into a Vick-led Norfolk State next season in Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) play.

Vick said during a press conference that the new job would allow him to “serve young men in my community.”

“I understand the value of a HBCU,” Vick said at a press conference earlier this week. “The fact that it is in my hometown makes it even better.

“And so, it’s a great admiration for HBCUs, the NFL has numerous partnerships with HBCUs, so I think it shows that people care, you know, you’ve got these big time Division I programs where they’ve got all these amazing things, bells and whistles, money, and they tend to forget about the HBCUs and the schools that have the same type of prominence, and so, to start here, it wasn’t even by design.”

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Delaware County Opioid Settlement Task Force Needs Volunteer Members

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Delaware County Opioid Settlement Task Force Needs Volunteer Members


DELAWARE COUNTY, PA — Delaware County is looking for residents to sit on its Delaware County Opioid Settlement Task Force.

Sought are passionate and dedicated residents to serve on the task force.

Members help provide recommendations for immediate and long-term programs, work alongside community leaders, experts, and advocates, and ensure funds are used effectively, transparently, and for maximum impact.

“This is your chance to play a vital role in shaping how settlement funds are used to combat the opioid crisis in our community,”the county said.

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Residents interested in serving on the task force can apply online here.



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