Cannabis sales have been soaring in all of the US states that classified it as an “essential item” amid the pandemic. The new legal market in Illinois has seen tremendous growth from the month it legalized cannabis. Illinois made recreational marijuana legal on January 1. Since then, the month-over-month sales have been strong. The state even recorded good sales in April despite the lockdown. June was a record-breaking month for cannabis sales in Illinois.
Record-breaking Cannabis Sales In Illinois In June
The cannabis demand in Illinois seems unstoppable. The state keeps reporting strong sales despite the ongoing pandemic. So far, the COVID-19 cases seem to be rising again in the US. Cannabis sales haven’t been impacted much. As of today, there are 3.05 million confirmed COVID-19 cases in the US with 148,000 cases in Illinois alone. The state has a population of 12.63 million. A Marijuana Moment article stated that Illinois reported $47.6 million in total cannabis sales. The amount included $35.3 million from state residents and $12.4 million from out-of-state visitors. Illinois shares borders with states where marijuana is still illegal, which attracts out-of-state consumers. The state sold 994,545 cannabis items in June.
Illinois reported $39.2 million in sales in January—the first month after legalization. After that, the month-over-month sales have been lower but stayed consistent. Meanwhile, the sales started rising again in May to around $44.3 million. The state hasn’t reported the tax revenue numbers yet. According to Illinois’ state tax policy, the tax revenue distribution from cannabis is as follows:
- 35% is towards the state’s general fund
- 25% is to support communities disproportionately affected by the war on drugs
- 20% is for substance use treatment and mental health programs
- 10% is for the state’s bill backlog
Marijuana Moment discussed the Office of Economic Analysis’s views about rising sales. In May, the Office of Economic Analysis said, “Expectations are that some of these increases are due to temporary factors like the one-time household recovery rebates, expanded unemployment insurance benefits, and the shelter in place style policies.” The office also said, “As the impact of these programs fade in the months ahead, and bars and restaurants reopen to a larger degree, marijuana sales are expected to mellow.”
Marijuana Is A Relief Amid COVID-19
There’s a possibility that the rise in cannabis sales is a one-time thing. For now, states have seen the gains. The states where cannabis isn’t legal can see the benefits and will push for legalization.
Many states where cannabis is legal found some relief with rising sales. Notably, other sectors’ downfall impacts tax revenue. The lockdown forced people to stay at home, which caused panic and anxiety. Marijuana helps people with anxiety issues. People started hoarding marijuana like many other essential items. Unemployment has been rising in the US amid the crisis. Other states like the US Virgin Islands, New Mexico, and Texas also think that legalizing marijuana could help them recover from economic losses.
Good News For Cannabis Companies
If cannabis sales continue this trend even after the pandemic, it will benefit the state and cannabis companies. The companies struggled in 2019 due to declining revenues. So far, the situation has improved this year, especially for US cannabis companies.
Illinois’ rising sales have been good news for cannabis companies operating in the state. Cresco Labs (OTCMKTS:CRLBF), Green Thumb Industries (OTCMKTS:GTBIF), and Acreage Holdings operate in Illinois. Besides Acreage Holdings, Cresco Labs and Green Thumb had strong performances in their recent first quarter. Cresco Labs already saw its revenue rise 215% from the same period last year to $66.4 million. The revenue rose due to sales from three of the company’s strong markets—Illinois, Pennsylvania, and California. The markets in Illinois and Pennsylvania contributed to Green Thumb’s 268% year-over-year growth in the first quarter.
Both of the companies also recorded a positive EBITDA in their first quarters. Their management teams think that Illinois’ market will grow rapidly and have tremendous opportunities. As a result, the companies expanded in the market. Cresco opened its sixth store in Danville, while Green Thumb opened its eighth store in Niles in May. KushCo Holdings also saw continued sequential growth in Illinois, Michigan, and its other markets in its second quarter.
Federal-level legalization will also give Aurora Cannabis (NYSE:ACB), Canopy Growth (NYSE:CGC), Aphria (NYSE:APHA), and others an opportunity to take advantage of the expanding market. So far in July, Cresco Labs has declined by 2.9%. Green Thumb, Canopy Growth, and Aphria have gained 1.03%, 2.1%, and 0.93%, respectively.