Connecticut
Connecticut dispensaries struggle with supply, send shoppers to western Mass
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WGGB/WSHM) – Our neighboring state of Connecticut has experienced a shortage of certain cannabis products. We wanted to know if those supply and demand issues were affecting our dispensaries here in the Bay State.
As it turns out, here in Massachusetts, we have the opposite problem. Western Mass News spoke with 6 Bricks in Springfield, and they told us they have more than enough flower to go around, and with clients from Connecticut crossing the border to shop, business is booming.
Payton Shubrick, CEO and founder of 6 Bricks Cannabis Dispensary told us, “We see a multitude of Connecticut customers that are still coming into the state of Massachusetts, for a multitude of reasons.”
The state of Connecticut legalized recreational cannabis use back in July of 2021, years after Massachusetts began “rolling” out adult-use marijuana in the fall of 2016.
Although both states are arguably in their infancy stage, Shubrick told us that since our state legalized first, Massachusetts has so many different variations of products, giving customers more options.
“When you look at the number of license holders that relates to cultivating manufacturers in production,” Shubrick added, “There’s way more that we have available in Massachusetts.”
So, while Connecticut dispensaries are struggling to keep up with supply and demand, Massachusetts flower products are flourishing.
“We have more than enough flower here,” Shubrick claimed, “Some may say we have too much, and so, that allows for a price point that is more obtainable for folks.”
Western Mass News caught up with one shopper from East Windsor, Connecticut, and he told us that 6 Bricks has a lot more options than the dispensaries in his home state, and all he has to do is drive about 10 minutes down I-91.
“Better prices, you know, I think, and it’s not too far from my house.”
Shubrick explained that another thing she believes may be encouraging participation from Connecticut customers, is how much you can buy.
In Massachusetts, customers can legally purchase 28 grams of product, whereas in Connecticut you can only buy about 14.
We also asked what could happen when Connecticut catches up. Shubrick told us that everyone in the cannabis industry is a little nervous about how their revenue will be impacted as more states come online, and even though that causes a lot of uncertainty with their customer base, there’s still a lot of hope as the market grows and more products are developed.
Copyright 2024. Western Mass News (WGGB/WSHM). All rights reserved.
Connecticut
Gifts of Love provides for Connecticut families in crisis
Connecticut
Connecticut National Guard families come together for annual holiday event
HARTFORD, CT (WFSB) — On Saturday morning, families of the Connecticut National Guard gathered for an annual event designed to provide support and comfort during the holiday season.
Operation Embracing Lonely Families has been a tradition for 23 years, offering much-needed support to military families separated from loved ones who are deployed.
The event focuses on easing some of the financial burden and emotional stress that military families face during deployments, especially during the holidays.
“It’s an enjoyment because it brings everyone closer during the holiday so they can still be around their family too,” said Newton Maldonado, a National Guard soldier.
One of the attendees, Nicole Scalora, whose husband was recently deployed to Africa for a year, shared the challenges of military life.
“It’s tough. We have to take it one day at a time. Doing everything at home by yourself, not having that shoulder to rely on can be difficult. But I have a lot of family and a lot of support, so that helped a lot. Also, the military is constantly reaching out. Making sure that we’re good and that if we need help, they’re there,” she said.
Saturday’s event included treats and toys for the families, as well as a visit from Santa Claus.
The tradition, which began under former Governor Jodi Rell and continued by each subsequent Lieutenant Governor, has become a symbol of appreciation for those who serve and their families.
While this year’s ceremony was smaller in scale, organizers are expecting the event to grow significantly next year, with nearly 800 families anticipated to attend.
These families are affected by the various deployments of National Guard members overseas.
Lieutenant Governor Susan Bysiewicz expressed her gratitude, noting, “, I’m really glad for the people of Connecticut that our celebration is rather small, because it means our national guard families are here at home celebrating.”
The event remains an important opportunity for the community to come together and honor the sacrifices made by military families throughout Connecticut.
Copyright 2024 WFSB. All rights reserved.
Connecticut
Several vehicles and outdoor furnace destroyed in fire in Woodstock
Several vehicles and an outdoor furnace were destroyed in a fire in Woodstock on Friday night.
Firefighters from Muddy Brook Fire Department responded to Paine District Road around 9 p.m. for a report of a detached garage on fire with exposure.
When fire crews arrived, they said they found a 20′ by 20′ building with fire throughout.
According to fire officials, several vehicles and an outdoor furnace were destroyed in the fire.
The fire did not spread from the building of origin and no injuries were reported.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
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