Adult-use cannabis sales opened in Connecticut today.

Connecticut, which has allowed medical cannabis sales since 2012, adopted adult use July 1, 2021 after Governor Ned Lamont signed a state senate bill the previous month. The legislation allows adults 21 and older to have up to 1.5 oz. of cannabis on their person and up to 5 oz. locked in their homes or car trunks and glove boxes.

Edibles must not have more than 5 mg THC per serving, and multi-serving packages must not contain more than 100 mg THC. Beverages must be packaged in single servings.

Adults may begin growing up to six cannabis plants at home and indoors, effective July 1, 2023.

The legislation also provides for the expungement of low-level cannabis convictions and reserves half of all cannabis business licenses for people from neighborhoods impacted disproportionately by enforcement of drug laws. In addition, more than half of the revenue from cannabis sales will be dedicated to a new fund that will be invested in those neighborhoods.

“Today marks a turning point in the injustices caused by the war on drugs, most notably now that there is a legal alternative to the dangerous, unregulated, underground market for cannabis sales,” Lamont said. “Together with our partners in the legislature and our team of professionals at the Department of Consumer Protection, we’ve carefully crafted a securely regulated market that prioritizes public health, public safety, social justice, and equity. I look forward to continuing our efforts to ensure that this industry remains inclusive and safe as it develops.”

So far, nine retailers have been licensed to operate adult-use dispensary locations in Connecticut. They include:

• Affinity Health and Wellness – New Haven
• The Botanist – Danbury
• The Botanist – Montville
• Fine Fettle Dispensary – Newington
• Fine Fettle Dispensary – Stamford
• Fine Fettle Dispensary – Willimantic
• RISE (formerly Bluepoint Wellness of Connecticut) – Branford
• Still River Wellness – Torrington
• Zen Leaf (formerly Willow Brook Wellness) – Meriden

Curleaf is introducing flower, prerolls, vapes and vape hardware at adult-use dispensaries in the state.

"We are proud to provide Curaleaf products across the state as Connecticut celebrates this important milestone in opening a safe and equitable adult-use cannabis market," said Matt Darin, CEO of Curaleaf. "We commend Governor Lamont and the state legislature for their leadership in the recent expungement of low-level cannabis convictions for over 40,000 residents as part the state's legalization measure."

Verano, which operates the Zen Leaf Meriden location, hosted Lieutenant Governor Susan Bysiewicz and other state leaders to mark the opening of adult-use sales.

“Legal cannabis in Connecticut will have a positive impact on the economy and local communities, and we’re honored to celebrate this moment in the Constitution State,” said Verano founder and CEO George Archos. “Our Verano, CTPharma and Zen Leaf teams are proud to stand with Connecticut residents in celebrating the end of cannabis prohibition. Thank you to Governor Ned Lamont, the Department of Consumer Protection, local communities, our team members, medical cannabis patients and advocates for making this historic day in Connecticut a reality.”

Verano’s Connecticut operations include CTPharma, a 217,000 sq. ft. cultivation and processing facility in Rocky Hill, and Caring Nature in Waterbury, a medical dispensary that will soon launch adult use sales under the Zen Leaf retail banner.

Acreage Holdings, which operates The Botanist locations, also hosted a grand opening at its Montville store.

“The Botanist team is thrilled to expand our Connecticut operations to adult-use consumers, beginning with the Montville location,” said Acreage CEO Peter Caldini. “We expect Connecticut will be a booming adult-use market, and The Botanist is prepared to meet heightened demand with increased inventory, dedicated medical patient services, and more. As always, our company has been committed to providing exceptional patient care since its inception, and we will continue to prioritize medical patients while welcoming and providing the same level of care and expertise to the wider adult-use audience.”