Connecticut Bags $359K in Recreational Cannabis Sales on Launch Day
The first legal recreational cannabis products have been sold in Connecticut, 18 months after the state governor legalized the drug by signing a state bill.
On January 10, seven existing medical cannabis dispensaries in the state began selling adult-use recreational products, too.
By the end of the day, these seven retailers had made $359,099 in sales, according to the state’s internal tracking system.
“We have had no reported issues at any of our retailers, and we are proud of the successful launch of the regulated adult-use market,” Michelle H. Seagull, commissioner of the state’s Department of Consumer Protection, said in a statement.
“We continue to remind consumers to be patient as they make their initial purchases, and to use these products responsibly, including taking into consideration the delayed onset of effects some of these products can have.”
Recreational cannabis sales in Connecticut are limited to 0.25 ounces (seven grams) of cannabis flower. Medical cannabis patients are only limited to five ounces (141.7 grams) per month.
Prior to the adult-use market’s launch, medical patients had been advised to purchase any necessary medication before January 10, as long lines and traffic were expected around the hybrid retailers during the opening weeks of adult-use sales.
Indeed, long lines were present outside several dispensaries on the launch day. One waiting customer was Samuel Gabbey, a 32-year-old package delivery operations manager from Mansfield, who lined up outside Fine Fettle Dispensary in Willimantic.
“The day finally came where we can all just come here and get what we want and go home without having to worry about the police or anything,” he told the Associated Press. “So it’s a good day for people in Connecticut.”
*This article was updated on January 20, 2023, to change the total adult-use cannabis revenue mentioned from $251,276 to $359,099. The latter figure includes money made beyond 5pm on the opening day of the state market. The larger number was announced by the state cannabis regulator on January 18.
