Social Equity Eligibility Validation Process
The Office of the Marijuana Commissioner (OMC) is responsible for implementing the Marijuana Control Act in Delaware, which includes a Social Equity License program.
Prior to applying for a Social Equity License an individual’s eligibility must first be validated. There is no charge for this initial validation step.The goal is to streamline the application process and ensure that potential Social Equity applicants know whether they meet the eligibility requirements under Delaware law prior to the license application period that starts September 1, 2024.
Individuals interested in applying for a social equity license must first submit the Social Equity Eligibility Validation Form using the link provided below before July 15, 2024.
The initial form only requires your full name and email address. The OMC’s third-party vendor Creative Services Inc. (CSI) will then send you an email with a link to the CSI Portal within 2 days to complete the information required for the eligibility validation process.
To apply for a Social Equity Program license, you must meet the definition of a social equity applicant under Delaware law. Title 4 § 1336. Social equity applicant (updated in HB 344 w/ HA1).
A Social Equity Applicant must have at least 51% ownership and control by 1 or more individuals who… meet one of the following criteria:
Criteria 1: have resided for at least 5 of the preceding 15 years in an area with high rates of arrest, conviction, and incarceration for marijuana-related offenses. The tracts identified by the Commissioner as Disproportionately Impacted can be found here.
Criteria 2: Was convicted of or adjudicated delinquent of a marijuana-related offense under Delaware law prior to April 23, 2023, except any of the following:
- Delivery to a minor.
- Any marijuana offense with a Tier 3 quantity of marijuana as defined in § 4751C of Title 16.
Criteria 3: Had or has a parent, legal guardian, child, spouse, or dependent who was convicted of or adjudicated delinquent for any marijuana-related offense under Delaware law prior to April 23, 2023, that would qualify under Criteria 2 above.
What to expect in the Social Equity Eligibility Validation Process with CSI
Once you’ve submitted your Social Equity Eligibility Validation Form, you will receive a personalized link to a verification portal from Creative Service, Inc. (“CSI”) in approximately 2 business days. CSI is our partner who will perform the validation process to verify your eligibility as a social equity applicant. This portal link you receive from CSI will be unique to you, and you will be able to track your progress as you proceed in the validation process.
If your eligibility for the social equity status is validated, you will receive an email with a link to a PDF of your eligibility validation report stating that you are “CLEAR.”
If you do not meet the requirements and/or your social equity status is not validated, you will receive an email with a link to a PDF of your eligibility validation report stating that you are “Under Review.” If you have been found to be “Under Review,” the OMC will notify you with next steps.
If your social equity status cannot be verified, you will receive an email with a link to a PDF of your eligibility validation report stating that you are “DEFICIENT.”
CSI will send you the final report determining your social equity applicant status before the OMC begins to accept License Applications on September 1, 2024.
The Social Equity Eligibility Validation Process does not:
- Replace the Minimum Requirements in the License Application process.
- Guarantee eligibility for the license selection process.
- Replace the need for other application materials required by law.
OMC will soon announce more information and guidance regarding the license application process and the license selection process, which may include a lottery.
Please continue to closely monitor communications from the OMC to make sure you are aware of important announcements.