Governor Ned Lamont signed Senate Bill 1201 on June 22, 2021 making Connecticut the latest state to officially legalize recreational marijuana. A compromise agreement gives social equity applicants priority status in obtaining cultivation and retail licenses.

Additionally, existing medical marijuana cultivators could apply for an adult-use license but would be required to pay a fee of $3 million, or $1.5 million if they create at least two social equity joint ventures. Recreational adult-use retail is not expected to open till late 2022. Moreover, a prospective adult-use marijuana operator is also required to make a “good-faith effort” to enter into a labor peace agreement with a union before receiving its final license.

Under the agreement, local jurisdictions could prohibit retail sales through zoning ordinances, but residents could petition for a local referendum on the issue.

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November 2021 | Verano has completed the acquisition of Willow Brook Wellness, LLC as well as entered into definitive agreements to acquire Caring Nature, LLC and Connecticut Pharmaceutical Solutions, Inc.

July 2020 | Curaleaf acquires Arrow Alternative Care Dispensaries

January 2019 | GTI acquires Advanced Grow Labs

With adult-use sales on the horizon, the market could easily generate $250m in sales in the first full year and $725m in the fourth year.

Major MSOs have already identified this state as an attractive market, with both Curaleaf and GTI making inroads. The Constitution State enjoys an attractive population density with a limited license regulatory framework. Look for the regulatory framework to expand, allowing for more patients and revenue while the northeast continues its march towards full legalization thanks to pressure from adult-use neighbors Massachusetts and New Jersey.