After months of being in the sales doldrums, Michigan’s monthly legal cannabis sales increased by $22 million in July. Cannabis optimists attributed the sales increase to summer tourism and a decrease in stigma, but realists pointed out that July this year had five weekends, rather than four, and crowds were ready to celebrate the July 4th holiday in style.
“I think it’s summer and people are getting out and about more. I see so many new customers by word of mouth because our ads are limited,” said Jerry Millen, owner of Greenhouse of Walled Lake Dispensary in Detroit’s northwest suburbs.
Chris Jackson, co-owner of Sticky Ypsilanti, thinks the state’s underground market is having an impact on legal prices.
“I think there’s an interesting dynamic in the underground market. Those folks are becoming more sophisticated, they’re starting to charge more to meet regulated [legal] market prices,” he said.
“In July many of us take time to head north where we gather with family and friends, leisurely enjoying the beautiful scenery. It’s the perfect opportunity to also enjoy the relaxing and peaceful benefits of cannabis. We had an explosive year of tourism as well which I’m certain contributed to July’s record cannabis sales,” said Robin Schneider, executive director of the Michigan Cannabis Industry Association.
Meanwhile, while Illinois posted record adult-use sales of $127.8 million in July, a $12 million increase over June, the state’s Department of Public Health has still not reported medical sales, which typically range around $30 million a month. IDPH had not responded to requests for an explanation for the delay by publication.
Missouri’s monthly medical cannabis sales also continued to climb, reaching $21 million in July, as the state’s 100th dispensary opened. While seemingly small, Missouri’s medical program is growing at a rapid clip. The last time Illinois’ medical cannabis program had less than $21 million in sales was in July 2019, suggesting that Missouri’s medical program is outpacing even the biggest states.
