Connecticut Medical Cannabis

In 2012, Connecticut lawmakers approved medical cannabis program and sales began in 2014. Regulators initially licensed six dispensaries and increased the number to nine in 2016. On December 11, 2018, Connecticut approved nine new licenses.

The state has approved medical cannabis use for 36 conditions for adults and 10 for patients younger than 18.

In 2020, Connecticut dispensaries sold over $140 million worth of cannabis products indicating almost 40% growth compared to 2019. The Connecticut cannabis market is estimated to be worth $164 million in 2021 and about $150 million in 2022, according to a Cowen report.

In 2023, Connecticut passed legislation that exempt businesses from Section 280E of the federal tax code that allows cannabis companies to deduct business expenses from their state income taxes.

As of September 2023, Connecticut had 42,891 registered medical cannabis patients, 18 operational state-licensed dispensaries and 4 producers according to the official website.

Connecticut Adult-Use Cannabis

On July 1, 2021, lawmakers passed an adult-use cannabis bill legalizing consumption of up to 1.5 ounces of cannabis for adults 21 and older in Connecticut. Retail sales began in January 2023.

Monthly sales of regulated recreational and medical cannabis topped $25 million in September, a monthly record since adult-use sales began in January. Total sales for the nine months of 2023 were $195.7 million, of which about 50% was adult-use cannabis.

Marijuana Business Daily predicts that Connecticut’s adult-use cannabis market could generate $200 million in sales this year.

Connecticut Cannabis Market Infographics