In May, Massachusetts recorded a total of $154 million in legal cannabis sales, a slight increase from the $150 million reported in April.
This figure comprises $137 million from recreational marijuana sales and $17 million from medical marijuana sales. This brings the year-to-date total to $671 million in sales. The cumulative sales figure has now reached an impressive $6.214 billion, according to data from the Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission (CCC).
Of the total sales in May, $17 million was attributed to medical cannabis patients, while the remaining $137 million was for recreational use. These sales resulted in the state garnering around $23 million in tax revenue.
The range of products included in the sales data spans dried cannabis flower, concentrates, and a variety of cannabis-infused products like edibles, tinctures, and topicals.
According to the CCC, the Massachusetts cannabis market currently boasts around 650 active marijuana strains.
Cannabis was legalized in Massachusetts in 2016, permitting individuals aged 21 and over to possess up to an ounce of cannabis and grow up to six plants for personal use. The first licensed cannabis store opened in 2018. Recreational cannabis purchases are subject to an excise tax of 10.75%, in addition to the standard statewide sales tax of 6.25%, whereas medical cannabis sales are exempt from both taxes.
According to polling results released last week, 79% of voters in Massachusetts believe the state’s marijuana legalization law has had positive results.
Last month, the Governor’s Council approved a plan introduced by Governor Maura T. Healey to pardon hundreds of thousands of misdemeanor marijuana possession convictions.
