By the end of August, they “had grossed $1.09 billion following a record-breaking June with $156 million in sales—the highest single month ever.”
The following is from the Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission:
Massachusetts adult-use Marijuana Establishments have exceeded $10 billion in all-time gross sales following several strong revenue months, including the highest monthly sales ever in June, according to sales data published to the Cannabis Control Commission’s (Commission) Open Data Platform.
The gross sales milestone comes nearly a decade after voters approved adult-use cannabis in the November 2016 election, and nearly eight years after the first two adult-use retail stores opened in Northampton and Leicester in November 2018.
“This is a significant moment for the Massachusetts adult-use industry and for the state. An industry that isn’t even a decade old has become an integral part of our economy, counting hundreds of businesses of all sizes and employing nearly 15,000people,” Chair Chris Harding said. “Every adult-use sale generates tax revenue that goes back into vital programs and services at the state and local levels, from substance abuse treatment programs to police training and the Cannabis Social Equity Trust Fund.”
Adult-use retailers—including Marijuana Retail stores, Delivery Operators, and Microbusinesses with Delivery Endorsements—crossed $10 billion in gross sales Sept. 5 based on data dating to when the first two Marijuana Retailers commenced operations in 2018 and now stands at $10,008,567,111.
By the end of August, Marijuana Establishments had grossed $1.09 billion in 2026 following a record-breaking June with $156 million in sales—the highest single month ever. Marijuana Establishments grossed $1.65 billion in adult-use sales over calendar year 2025 and passed the $9 billion all-time sales mark in February.
The nine Delivery Couriers and 16 Delivery Operators combined have grossed over $14 million year-to-date—$10.7 million for operators and $3.2 million for couriers. A state law change in April allowed cannabis delivery in every city and town in the state, unless communities decide to opt out. Delivery licenses are also set aside exclusively for equity program participants.
“The adult-use cannabis market has grown quickly since the first retail stores opened in 2018, and now reliably generates more than $1.5 billion in gross sales annually,” Executive Director Travis Ahern said. “As the industry enters its next phase with new license types and operators, we look forward to continuing our mission of overseeing a safe, equitable cannabis market for Massachusetts consumers and patients.”
This fall, the Commission will use its social media channels to look back on how the industry has grown since voters approved adult-use cannabis in 2016. The anniversary celebration will include data about the industry economic contributions across the state:
- Nearly 20,000 registered agents in the adult-use industry as of August 2026, encompassing 15,000 individual employees
- 782 operating businesses, including over 100 equity-owned/operated businesses, and 91 medical marijuana dispensaries
- $2 billion in state and local taxes generated since 2016 supporting substance abuse recovery, police training, the Prevention and Wellness Trust Fund, restorative justice programs and more
- Over $43 million in local option taxes to cities and towns in fiscal year 2026 alone
- Almost $60 million in financial assistance to equity licenses since 2024 funded by cannabis tax revenue through the Social Equity Trust Fund
- The Commission’s Social Equity Program (SEP) has accepted nearly 1,300 participants, providing technical assistance training for entry into the industry for people disproportionately harmed by cannabis prohibition
The Commission in December 2025 approved regulations governing social consumption licenses, which will allow consumers to use cannabis in facilities regulated by the Commission. The Commission expects to begin accepting applications for the Supplemental License type by the end of 2026.
“This significant sales milestone comes as the Commission is preparing to offer the first social consumption licenses to equity applicants, the first expansion since delivery licenses came online five years ago,” Commissioner Xiomara Albán DeLobato said. “We look forward to overseeing further growth of the industry as we work to keep the adult-use marketplace safe and equitable.”
Regulated cannabis products sold in adult-use stores in Massachusetts are subject to a 6.25% state sales tax and a 10.75% state excise tax. Cities and towns may also implement a local option tax to receive direct revenue from cannabis businesses. The Commission does not collect tax revenue from cannabis sales or direct the spending of sales and excise tax revenue. According to the state Department of Revenue, cannabis sales, local, and excise taxes generated approximately $336 million in fiscal year 2026. Learn more about where cannabis tax revenue flows throughout state and local government by reviewing the Commission’s flow chart available on MassCannabisControl.com.
Massachusetts voters in 2016 approved a ballot measure that led to the creation of the Commission and the state’s adult-use cannabis market. This November, voters will be asked whether they want to repeal adult-use cannabis in Massachusetts by ballot measure.
“The licensees that comprise the adult-use industry deserve congratulations for safely growing the industry from scratch and providing a significant return to Massachusetts taxpayers through sales, excise, and local taxes along the way,” Commissioner Anthony Wilson said. “As Commissioners, we will continue the work of making sure the industry continues to grow carefully, safely, and equitably.”
