Can you smoke cannabis on Delaware beaches?

No. Cannabis consumption is prohibited on all Delaware state beaches, state parks, boardwalks, and public places. Rehoboth Beach has an additional local ordinance (Chapter 199) specifically banning marijuana smoking in all public places within town limits. You may only consume cannabis on private property with the owner's permission.

Are there dispensaries at Rehoboth Beach?

Yes, but not within the town limits. Rehoboth Beach and Bethany Beach have banned cannabis businesses within their boundaries. However, Columbia Care operates at 36725 Bayside Outlet Dr near the Tanger Outlets, just outside Rehoboth Beach town limits. Thrive operates in nearby Lewes at 12000 Old Vine Blvd.

Why are some Sussex County dispensaries medical-only?

Delaware's legalization law allows municipalities to opt out of recreational cannabis sales. Milford and Seaford have enacted local recreational bans, so Fresh Cannabis locations in those towns can only serve medical marijuana patients with valid Delaware medical cards.

Sussex County & Delaware Beaches Cannabis Guide

Legal Disclaimer: This information reflects Delaware cannabis law as of April 2026 and is for educational purposes only. It is not legal advice. Laws and regulations change — always verify current rules with the Office of the Marijuana Commissioner or a qualified attorney. Cannabis remains illegal under federal law.

Last verified: March 2026

Cannabis at the Delaware Beaches

Sussex County stretches across southern Delaware from the Maryland border to the Atlantic coast. The beach towns of Rehoboth Beach, Bethany Beach, Dewey Beach, and Lewes draw hundreds of thousands of summer visitors from the D.C., Baltimore, and Philadelphia metro areas. Cannabis is legal to purchase and possess in Sussex County, but where you can buy it and where you can use it are subject to significant local restrictions.

Dispensaries in Sussex County

Dispensary	Address	Notes
Columbia Care	36725 Bayside Outlet Dr, Rehoboth Beach	Near Tanger Outlets; recreational sales
Thrive	12000 Old Vine Blvd, Lewes	Recreational sales
The Farm	34164 Dupont Blvd, Frankford	Western Sussex County; recreational sales
Fresh Cannabis (Milford)	Milford	MEDICAL ONLY — local rec ban
Fresh Cannabis (Seaford)	Seaford	MEDICAL ONLY — local rec ban

Local Recreational Bans

Several Sussex County communities have opted out of recreational cannabis sales. Fresh Cannabis locations in Milford and Seaford are medical-only due to local bans. If you don't have a Delaware medical card, head to Columbia Care (Rehoboth), Thrive (Lewes), or The Farm (Frankford) instead.

Beach Town Restrictions

Delaware's legalization law allows municipalities to ban cannabis businesses within their limits, and several beach towns have done exactly that:

Rehoboth Beach — Has banned cannabis businesses within town limits. Chapter 199 also bans marijuana smoking in all public places within the town.
Bethany Beach — Has banned cannabis businesses within town limits.

Note that dispensaries like Columbia Care (Rehoboth) are technically located just outside the Rehoboth Beach town boundary, in unincorporated Sussex County. This is why you'll find dispensaries near the beach towns but not within them.

Consumption Rules at the Beach

Even though you can buy cannabis near the beach, you cannot consume it in most of the places tourists actually go:

State beaches and parks — All cannabis consumption is prohibited on Delaware state park property, including Cape Henlopen, Delaware Seashore State Park, and Fenwick Island State Park.
The boardwalk — Public consumption is a misdemeanor statewide. The Rehoboth boardwalk, Bethany boardwalk, and all public walkways are off-limits.
Rehoboth Beach public places — Chapter 199 specifically bans marijuana smoking in any public place within Rehoboth Beach town limits.
Hotel rooms — Check with your hotel. Many prohibit smoking of any kind. Edibles may be a more practical option for visitors.

Where you can consume: Private property with the owner's permission. If you're renting a vacation home, check the rental agreement — many explicitly prohibit cannabis use.

Summer Tourism Considerations

Sussex County's population swells dramatically in summer. Expect longer wait times at dispensaries during peak season (Memorial Day through Labor Day), particularly at the Rehoboth and Lewes locations. Many visitors come from the D.C. and Baltimore metro areas via Route 1 or Route 50/404, and from Philadelphia via Route 1 south.