Massachusetts Medical Marijuana Registrations In April Surpass Expectations

The number of medical marijuana patients in Massachusetts in April increased by 14%, reaching the figure of 72,502 active patients.

That's according to Cannabis Control Commission Executive Director Shawn Collins, who disclosed the figures during a Thursday virtual meeting.

CCC data suggest April marijuana medical sales went up by roughly 25% to 65,155 ounces sold compared to the month before.

The news comes on the heels of another report from last week that showed around 1,300 new patient registrations for March. That's an increase of 160% compared to the prior week.

Per the Boston Globe, over the last month, medical marijuana registrations in the state went up by 245%.

“That is something we’re still seeing a surge in,” commented Collins, adding, “we’ve still been able to meet that demand with processing as well.”

In addition, Massachusetts recreational marijuana shops have been closed since March 24. It’s the only state countrywide that has closed adult-use retailers following the COVID-19 outbreak.

At the same time, medical dispensaries remained open being deemed as “essential businesses,” by Gov. Charlie Baker.

A month ago, Baker defended the shuttering of recreational marijuana shops explaining the main reason for that is to prevent shoppers from states where cannabis is illegal to come to Massachusetts.

The expiration of the shutdown orders has been extended a couple of times and is now set for May 18.

The increase in medical patients in the state demonstrates the possible flaws in the medical supply chain. It’s evidence adult-use users had depended on the recreational market for treating health issues.

The commission met them half-way, allowing wholesale transfers of marijuana products from adult-use operators to co-located marijuana operations and medical marijuana centers for treatment.

As the coronavirus situation is unfolding, the cannabis industry is trying to survive. It seems that Massachusetts is trying to put back on tracks the cannabis businesses, setting measures, and proposing bills for coping with the economic impact of the pandemic.

On another virtual hearing, held on Tuesday, the state’s legislative committee discussed the coronavirus-relief program for cannabis businesses left out of a federal-level funding aid.