Massachusetts adult-use marijuana retailers, which were forced to close on March 24 by the governor, might be missing out on nearly $2 million in daily sales.

Data from the Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission shows that during the period of Dec. 30, 2019-March 8, 2020, weekly sales averaged $12.6 million, or $1.8 million per day.

Sales began an upward trend on March 11, coinciding with general consumer stockpiling, with sales averaging $15.5 million over the next two weeks – a 19% increase over the December-March 8 average.

That upswing came to an abrupt halt on March 24 after Gov. Charlie Baker’s emergency order to close recreational stores in response to the pandemic.
Some of the same factors that have bolstered Massachusetts’ adult-use marijuana program – dense population and proximity to other New England states – contributed to the governor’s decision to issue the order.

Massachusetts’ recreational retailers are not the only cannabis companies impacted by the pandemic.

Before the coronavirus outbreak and subsequent business closures, Marijuana Business Daily estimated 2020 sales in Massachusetts would be in the range of $575 million to $700 million.

It is unclear how this estimate will be adjusted without knowing when businesses will be allowed to open or how consumers will respond.

Retailers in states where adult-use marijuana businesses have been deemed essential are struggling with erratic and shifting demand.