Committee introduces resolution urging state to allow city a 3% local excise tax on retail marijuana sales

Council Member Christopher Johnson introduced a resolution urging the Delaware General Assembly to amend Title 2, Chapter 9 of the Delaware Code so municipalities could impose a local excise tax of up to 3% on the sale of marijuana and marijuana products by retail stores inside city limits.

Johnson said the measure would allow Wilmington to capture local revenue from what he called a “billion dollar industry” rather than rely only on the state’s distribution. “So this is a way, we can bring additional revenue into the city,” he told the committee, saying the tax would be similar in concept to existing cigarette taxes and could support locally‑directed programs.

Committee members broadly expressed support and numerous members asked to be added as co‑sponsors during the discussion. Council Member Xanthi Oliver, Council Member Michelle Hartley, Council Member Coby Owens, Council Member Yolanda McCoy, Council Member Alexander Hackett and Council Member Spadola all asked to be listed as co‑sponsors on the resolution during the meeting. Council Member Johnson and others said the industry has signaled support for a municipal option in addition to the state’s social reinvestment fund.

Council members discussed outreach and state legislative strategy, including suggestions to contact state legislators directly and to coordinate advocacy rather than only sending resolutions. Hackett and others recommended more direct lobbying and attendance at General Assembly committee meetings to improve chances of passage.

Planning staff and committee members noted no committee vote was required for the resolution; it will be forwarded to the full City Council for consideration and for transmission to Wilmington’s legislative liaisons for action in Dover. The committee did not record a formal vote on the resolution at the meeting.