Connecticut state flag
On the one-year anniversary of adult-use cannabis sales beginning in Connecticut, the state reported $274 million in combined medical and recreational sales.
With sales beginning on January 10, 2023, Connecticut was one of four states to launch adult-use programs in 2023, joining Maryland, Missouri and New York (New York’s first retail shop actually opened in December 2022).
“One year ago, the state of Connecticut opened an entirely new market, creating jobs, opportunity and a safe, regulated way for adults to purchase cannabis,” said Bryan T. Cafferelli, commissioner of the state Department of Consumer Protection. “This was no small task, and the team at DCP launched this new market in a thoughtful, measured way. Since then, many new businesses have opened and more are on the way. We are proud of the work carried out by our agency over the past year, and we are looking forward to continued growth, fair regulation, collaboration with our sister agencies and thoughtful problem-solving as new challenges present themselves in the years to come.”
According to data released by the Department of Consumer Protection, licensed retailers sold $27.5 million worth of cannabis in December 2023, making it the top-selling month since the adult-use program launched. Adult-use sales accounted for $17.1 million, while medical sales were $10.3 million.
Flower and vapes dominate the Connecticut market, accounting for 45% and 35% of sales, respectively. Edibles make up 13% of sales.
Since the program launched, Connecticut has issued 94 provisional licenses and 39 final licenses, including 19 “hybrid” retailers licensed to sell adult-use and medical cannabis.
“Our team has worked diligently over the past year to continue reviewing and approving provisional and final license applications, as well as more than 4,600 new brand and product registrations,” said Rodrick Marriott, drug control director of the Department of Consumer Protections. “The addition of the seed-to-sale tracking program during the market launch has been a valuable resource in evaluating market trends and fluctuations, and as more data is collected, will continue to provide insight into the growth of the industry as we gain year-over-year data.”