Connecticut
Connecticut faces flower shortage
Connecticut had a smoking hot year when it comes to cannabis sales. So good that the state’s dispensaries aren’t sitting on much inventory at the moment.
According to a recent report from Cannabis Benchmarks, supplies for both adult-use and medical dispensaries have been shrinking in the state – and prices have risen as a result.
Consumers celebrated the state’s decision to increase the limits on cannabis purchases as of Dec. 1, and they responded by buying a lot more cannabis. Prior to that date, they could only buy a quarter-ounce, but the new rule upped that limit to a half-ounce of flower or its equivalent in other products.
In December, the state reported sales of 453,944 products in the adult-use market, up 13.4% month-on-month. Medical products sold in December totaled 291,133, up 3.4% from the prior month.
Prices began spiking in the new year, and Cannabis Benchmarks reported that “consumers and registered patients in the state have told of a lack of inventory in dispensaries at the moment, with only a handful of varieties of flower on offer compared to the usual several dozen.”
Kaitlyn Krasselt, communications director with the Connecticut State Department of Consumer Protection, told Cannabis Benchmarks, “The Department is aware of a limited variety of certain products, and is continuing to monitor the situation.”
“The limited variety is likely the result of promotional sales retailers ran in association with the holidays, from Thanksgiving to New Year’s,” Krasselt continued. “Anecdotally, we know retailers experienced heavy traffic in relation to the holidays, and the record sales in our December data supports that. ”
But consumers also have something to look forward to, according to the agency. Kresselt said, “More than 1,000 products have received brand registration approval from the Drug Control Division since Nov. 1, 2023, that are expected to be available in stores in the coming days and weeks.”
Demand High, Supply Low
Fine Fettle, which has several stores in the state, confirmed the shortage.
“Right now we are supply constrained,” Chief Operating Officer Ben Zachs said. “A number of dispensaries have opened and only one microprocessor is growing. We’ve opened more stores and there’s definitely been a lack of flower supply.”
While sales figures were up in the state in December, Zachs said much of that was due to the higher prices. “The actual volume of sales only went up 3%.”
However, he believes hope is on the way. “My understanding is there are microgrowers building and big growers building,” he said. Zachs hopes the problem will be resolved in six to eight months, adding that these things happen in new markets.
“More demand and more stores opening has spread the inventory thin,” Zachs said. “Before it was a lack of choice, now some stores have no flower.”
He also pointed out that overall, flower and pre-rolls only accounted for 50% of sales, which is comparatively low for newer markets.
New data is shedding light on the state of Connecticut’s economy and labor force.
On this episode of the CBIA BizCast, CBIA Foundation director Dustin Nord joins host Amanda Marlow to talk about new Connecticut Department of Labor data that highlights the mismatch between increased job openings and a shrinking labor force.
Connecticut job openings jumped 2.6% in May to 87,356—however, since May 2025, 37,700 people have left Connecticut’s labor force.
Nord breaks down some of the reasons for this mismatch and what needs to be done to address Connecticut’s economic challenges.
He also shares insights into a U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis report showing Connecticut’s economy expanded 1.8% in the first quarter of 2026.
Episode Highlights:
- Job Openings vs. Workforce Shortage
- Unemployment Trends
- GDP Growth Amid Labor Challenges
- Affordability and Long-Term Competitiveness
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Connecticut
This Underrated Connecticut Town Is Getting National Recognition as One of the Best Places to Live
According to Islands.com, one Connecticut town is getting some well-deserved national attention, and it’s probably not the one you’d expect.
When people think about standout Connecticut destinations, places like Mystic, Greenwich, or New Haven usually dominate the conversation. But this time, the spotlight is on Cheshire, which was recently recognized as one of the best places to live in the state.
The national travel website points to Cheshire’s combination of small-town charm, outdoor recreation, local businesses, and great restaurants as some of the biggest reasons it’s become such a desirable place to call home. It’s also no stranger to high rankings. Cheshire was named the best place to live in New Haven County by Niche in 2025 and has also landed on Money Magazine’s list of the best places to live in America. Its public schools continue to receive high marks as well.
One of Cheshire’s biggest draws is its access to nature. The town is home to scenic orchards, beautiful greenhouses, and is known as Connecticut’s bedding plant capital. During the fall, local farms and orchards become popular destinations for apple picking, fresh cider, and seasonal treats. Outdoor lovers also have easy access to Roaring Brook Falls, Sleeping Giant State Park, and the Farmington Canal Heritage Trail.
Of course, no Connecticut town earns national praise without having some great food. Islands.com highlighted Cheshire’s pizza scene, including Fuoco Apizza and Pop’s Pizza, along with Viron Rondo Osteria for Italian cuisine. Beer lovers can also stop by Counter Weight Brewing, while Sweet Claude’s Ice Cream and Shef’s Bagels round out the town’s lineup of local favorites.
Cheshire may not get the same attention as some of Connecticut’s bigger destinations, but this latest recognition suggests it deserves a spot on your list. Whether you’re looking for a weekend road trip or thinking about putting down roots, this quiet New Haven County town is proving it has a lot more to offer than many people realize.
7 of the Most Beautiful Towns in the State of Connecticut
Connecticut is overflowing with both manmade and natural beauty. In some places, the two intersect to create a magical, almost fictional feel. Here are 7 Connecticut Towns that look like they came straight from a storybook.
Gallery Credit: Lou Milano
5 Historic Connecticut Towns That Feel Frozen in Time
Connecticut is full of towns people rush past on the highway without realizing what they’re missing. Everyone knows the big names, but some of the best places in the state are the ones that don’t always make the travel lists. These towns are quieter, full of character, and worth slowing down for at least an afternoon.
Gallery Credit: Lou Milano
Look Inside the Largest Indoor Collaborative Artwork in the World
I visited the American Mural Project in Winsted, Connecticut for the first time recently, and for those who haven’t seen it, here’s a quick peek at what to expect when you gaze upon the largest indoor collaborative piece of artwork in the world
Gallery Credit: Photos by Large Dave
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