The delay could last until 2013 before Delaware see's it's medical marijuana program take effect. Hopefully the stall doesn't last another 18 months and things move foward for medical marijuana patients in need of their medication.

Delaware's new medical marijuana law is so loaded with red tape that experts in other states predict it could be at least 18 months before people who are seriously ill or suffering from chronic pain can obtain pot legally here.

Experiences of advocates in other states who have ventured into the risky business of growing and distributing a drug the federal government still deems illegal illustrate the bureaucratic hurdles that lie ahead.

Medical marijuana operators across the country say there are tremendous financial, logistical, societal and bureaucratic issues to resolve before marijuana seeds can even be planted legally.

Delaware's law, Senate Bill 17, requires the Department of Healthand Social Services to start seeking applications for operating three medical marijuana dispensaries by July 1, 2012, and issue licenses to the highest-scoring applicants in each county six months later.