MANCHESTER, Conn. (WFSB) – Connecticut cannabis sales declined in 2025 despite December marking the highest month of cannabis sales since recreational use became legal, according to new state data.

State records show Connecticut retailers sold about $290 million worth of cannabis in 2025. That’s slightly below the 2024 total when sales reached $293 million.

For years, retailers have said some customers head out of state to Massachusetts for cheaper options.

Cannabis comes with a high price tag in Connecticut, and much of that comes down to taxes.

Adult-use cannabis was approved in 2021. One year later, retail stores were cleared to open.

Today, there are 61 licensed cannabis retailers across the state.

Nearly half of them, 29 stores, are approved to sell both medical and recreational cannabis. That number is expected to grow after a state law passed allowing more retailers to sell both.

Customers pay three separate taxes at checkout: the state’s standard 6.35 percent sales tax, an additional 3 percent local tax, plus a THC-based tax that can add another 10 to 15 percent to the final price.

The number of sales at dispensaries in communities impacts how much money goes back into those communities.

Some retailers are already converting because of the change in law.

Starting Wednesday, Fine Fettle will become a hybrid retailer, selling both medical and recreational cannabis.

It’s not yet clear how that will impact sales in 2026.

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