July 1, 2025, marks four years since Connecticut legalized recreational cannabis for adults aged 21 and older—a policy shift that has significantly altered the state’s cannabis landscape.
Regulatory Evolution and Market Growth
Medical cannabis use was first authorized in Connecticut in 2012. Recreational legalization followed in 2021, and retail sales commenced in January 2023. Since then, recreational product sales have steadily outperformed medical purchases—a trend that began in May 2023.
Under current law, non‑medical users aged 21+ may carry up to 1.5 ounces of cannabis in public and 5 ounces at home. Medical patients, however, may carry up to 5 ounces in public as well ctmirror.org.
Medical vs. Recreational Markets
Although both markets now offer similar product ranges, registered medical patients enjoy certain benefits:
- Exemption from cannabis excise taxes
- Access to delivery-oriented forms such as capsules, tablets, sublinguals, and suppositories
- Absence of potency caps applicable to recreational products
In contrast, recreational flower products are limited to 30% THC (increasing to 35% THC from October 1, 2025), while concentrates (excluding vapes) are capped at 60% THC (rising to 70% THC in October).
Sales and Revenue Snapshot
- May 2025: Recreational retail sales reached $18.7 million, with medical sales at $6.6 million.
- FY 2024 revenue: Cannabis-related excise taxes generated $21.3 million; combined with sales taxes, licensing fees, and municipal revenue, total cannabis-derived funds reached $49.4 million.
Cannabis flower remains the most popular item, comprising 45% of sales in May and 48% since recreational sales began.
Market Expansion and Dispensary Trends
In January 2023, there were just 9 hybrid dispensaries. By February 2025, that number had surged to 64—though it has since settled at around 71, with 36 primarily recreational and 35 hybrid outlets.
Tax Structure and Financial Impact
Recreational cannabis is taxed based on THC content—flowered products incur lower rates, while edibles are taxed at $0.0275 per milligram of THC. A typical ⅛‑ounce of 15% THC flower incurs an estimated 9.4% excise tax ctmirror.org. Medical users continue to benefit from tax exemptions.
Medical Program Details and Federal Restrictions
Medical cardholders must renew annually, with consultation fees ranging from $100 to $350. Minors require legislative-qualified conditions, parental consent, and caregiver oversight.
Federal prohibition remains in place: all cannabis users are barred from purchasing firearms, and medical cardholders are disqualified from firearm ownership under federal law.
Outlook
Since its legalization, Connecticut’s cannabis market has matured rapidly. Recreational sales have dominated, medical users retain essential benefits, and regulatory structures continue to evolve—particularly with imminent THC cap adjustments. The state has also seen substantial economic gains through taxes and expanded access. As July 1 approaches, stakeholders across sectors—public health, law enforcement, and commerce—will assess the four-year impact of legalization and begin shaping policies for the next chapter.
Dabbin-Dad Newsroom