Adult-use cannabis sales in Connecticut have been steady at around $16 million each month since legalization two years ago. In contrast, Massachusetts has been generating approximately $140 million in monthly sales. This disparity has prompted David Salinas, CEO of Hi! People in Derby, to express hope that recent changes in regulations regarding store design and customer experience could enhance sales in Connecticut.
Salinas pointed out that the state is on track for another $200 million year, but believes there is potential for growth. He highlighted that Massachusetts is a thriving market worth $1.5 billion despite having a similar population size to Connecticut. He identified several factors that may contribute to the less appealing shopping experience for cannabis consumers in Connecticut, including strict packaging requirements and a limited shopping style that relies heavily on tablets.
He explained that customers expect a certain shopping experience, and when they encounter something uninspiring, they tend to lose interest. To address this, Salinas designed Hi! People with a unique approach. The store has become the first in Connecticut to feature a “bud bar,” following the state’s recent relaxation of laws governing in-store cannabis purchases. This new layout allows customers to see and smell the products before making a purchase, a significant change from previous regulations that required customers to order products on tablets and only pick them up at the counter.
General manager Justin Sheridan emphasized that the ability to inspect the cannabis products enhances the shopping experience. He noted that their store is now being favorably compared to dispensaries in neighboring states, marking a shift from being benchmarked against other Connecticut dispensaries.
In February, Connecticut’s adult-use retail sales remained around $16 million, while Massachusetts reported $39 million in sales in the first week of that month. In total, Connecticut recorded $293 million in cannabis sales for 2024, while Massachusetts achieved $1.8 billion.
Salinas believes that lowering prices, improving product labeling, and enhancing customer experiences are crucial steps toward advancing the cannabis industry in Connecticut. He called for collaboration among regulators, legislators, and industry members to form a committee aimed at fostering success similar to that seen in other states.
