For Immediate Release: Tuesday, June 8, 2021
Contact: David Heidrich, (207) 287-3282
Director of Engagement and Community Outreach, Office of Marijuana Policy
AUGUSTA – Maine’s marijuana retailers sold approximately $5.36 million in adult-use products during the month of May, making it the highest grossing month since the industry launched. Coming in $1 million above the previous record-breaking month of April, retailers conducted 71,843 transactions in May, with smokable marijuana making up 59 percent of sales, while infused products and concentrates accounted for 23 percent and 18 percent, respectively.
“One of the main goals of cannabis legalization is to diminish the illicit market,” said Erik Gundersen, director of Maine’s Office of Marijuana Policy. “The strong month-over-month growth here in Maine, just seven months after the official launch of the industry, suggests more and more consumers are choosing the tested, tracked, and well-regulated market over the illicit market. That is a positive sign for Mainers’ health and for the viability of the industry. With Maine’s busy summer season upon us, our effective regulation of the industry will continue.”
In the seven months since the launch of Maine’s adult-use market, gross sales of adult-use marijuana have climbed steadily to a total of $22.77 million in Maine. Thirty-four retailers are now licensed in the program, and more than 50 municipalities across the state are opted-in to the program.
Maine’s adult use market launched on October 9, 2020 and saw sales from a modest six active licensees that month. Those licensees conducted 16,294 transactions and grossed just more than $1 million in sales throughout the partial month, rising to approximately $4.35 million through April, with an additional $1 million added in May.
“Since the beginning of retail sales this past fall, our adult use licensees have proven to be both innovative and resilient, as they partnered with OCP to launch a nascent industry amidst a global health pandemic,” continued Gundersen. “As our state prepares to welcome visitors as part of the summer tourist season, I am confident they will remain committed to upholding the high standards we have for protecting the public’s health and safety.”
Sales data are extracted from the state’s inventory tracking system, Metrc, and are preliminary in nature, subject to further revision, and have not been audited.
The Office, a division of the Department of Administrative & Financial Services, is responsible for the oversight of all aspects of legalized marijuana in Maine, including Maine’s medical and adult-use programs.
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