Connecticut
Illinois cannabis sales soar, while Connecticut’s market falters
The midwestern cannabis market of Illinois passed $1 billion in sales just halfway through the calendar year, while Connecticut officials have watched their fledgling industry struggle with months of declining sales.
Illinois marijuana sales have steadily posted year-over-year increases, Gov. JB Pritzker announced in a press release, with the Land of Lincoln reaching the $1 billion sales mark almost two weeks earlier this year than it did in 2023. This year’s sales breakdown includes more than $850 million in adult-use cannabis sales and nearly $150 million in medical sales.
The steady uptick is also reflected in the 2024 fiscal year, which tallied more than $2 billion in legal cannabis sales, up from $1.9 billion in the 2023 fiscal year.
In terms of products purchased, cannabis flower was easily the top category with 49% of purchases, followed by vape cartridges at 32% and edibles with 22%.
“Illinois has the most equitable cannabis industry in the country, and it’s growing and thriving,” Pritzker said in the release. “The increase in total adult-use cannabis sales, combined with the policies my administration is implementing to support communities ravaged by the War on Drugs, highlights how this emerging industry is helping us set a national standard in equity and economic justice. Growing sales in 2024 means cannabis tax revenue will continue to play a major role in righting decades of wrongs in the state’s criminal justice system.”
Connecticut, however, has seen a very different story with its nascent recreational marijuana market, which launched in January 2023.
The New England state’s legal cannabis sales hit a peak in December 2023, but has been declining since, CT Insider reported. The state reported $23.9 million in sales in June compared to $24.7 million in May sales.
The breakdown includes adult-use sales of just $16.3 million in June, down from $16.5 million in May, and medical marijuana sales at $7.6 million in June, down from $8.2 million in May.
Connecticut’s peak of cannabis sales thus far was $27.5 million back in December, CT Insider reported.
The trend continues a multimonth slide in Connecticut; sales were already on a downward trend in the opening months of 2024, with $24.9 million in January sales and then $23.6 million the month after that.
WETHERSFIELD, Conn. (WFSB) – A tractor trailer’s diesel fuel saddle tank ruptured on I-91 north between exits 25 and 27, state police said.
Approximately 25 to 30 gallons of fuel was released to the road surface, according to the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. No ground soil or waterways were involved, DEEP said.
The two right lanes were closed, according to the state Department of Transportation.
No other vehicles were involved and no injuries were reported, state police said.
Wethersfield Fire Department solidified the diesel fuel on the ground surface with Speedy Dry, DEEP said. An environmental cleanup contractor was en route for cleanup.
Copyright 2026 WFSB. All rights reserved.
WESTPORT — A two-vehicle crash on Interstate 95 caused a traffic slowdown stretching for miles into Fairfield Friday afternoon, according to state officials.
The crash scene has since been cleared.
Connecticut State Police said the two-car crash was reported near Exit 17 in the southbound lanes at 3:03 p.m.
One driver was taken to the hospital for reported injuries, the agency said.
The crash closed the right lane of the highway, causing cars and trucks to be backed up for miles along I-95 into Fairfield, traffic cameras showed.
This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.
Connecticut
Joe Deko Appointed to State Legislature’s Group Studying Prepaid Funeral Contracts to Protect Consumers
- Reviewing contract structures: Examining issues related to pre-need funeral contracts and cremation service agreements.
- Strengthening oversight: Recommending stronger consumer protections and improvements to state regulation of the funeral services industry.
- Developing compensation mechanisms: Creating rules for distributing funds to affected consumers and exploring the framework for a future industry-backed guarantee fund.
Deko took to Facebook to share the news.
“I am honored to announce my appointment to the Connecticut State working group focused on reviewing and strengthening Connecticut’s prepaid funeral laws.
This important effort brings together professionals and stakeholders committed to ensuring that prepaid funeral arrangements continue to serve and protect Connecticut families while maintaining the highest standards within our profession.
I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute my experience and perspective to this process and look forward to working collaboratively with fellow members of the group.
A special thank you to Senator Paul Cicarella for his confidence in me and for entrusting me with this appointment. Your support and leadership are greatly appreciated. I look forward to helping shape thoughtful policies that will benefit Connecticut families and the funeral profession for years to come.”
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