Cannabis retailers in Massachusetts have now cumulatively passed $1 billion in gross sales, the state’s Cannabis Control Commission announced on Tuesday.
The state officially passed that benchmark at the end of day on Thursday, almost two years after the first recreational dispensary opened on Nov. 20, 2018.
“This sales milestone represents licensees’ ability to successfully support a safe, accessible, and effective adult-use industry, and I am pleased the resulting tax benefits will have a significant impact on communities throughout the Commonwealth,” CCC Chairman Steven Hoffman said in a statement.
Some 84 cannabis retailers have received commence-operation notices from the CCC, according to the commission. Additionally, 688 marijuana establishments have received licensure, including for cultivation, manufacturing, independent testing laboratories, microbusinesses and more.
That said, only two economic empowerment applicants, two social equity program licensees and five disadvantaged business enterprises have opened so far, according to the commission. Over 100 more cumulatively across all categories are in the midst of the licensing process.
