Connecticut Dispensary Guide (2024 Update)
In June 2012, Governor Malloy signed a medical marijuana program into law. It was a pivotal moment that made Connecticut the 17th state at the time to legalize medical use. But the quest for recreational cannabis faced its share of twists and turns.
In April 2018, a recreational cannabis bill made its way through the General Assembly. Despite initial setbacks and challenges, the resilience of advocates for recreational dispensaries in Connecticut shone through.
Efforts renewed in 2021 when Governor Ned Lamont steered the ship toward legalization. He signed Senate Bill 1201 on June 22, 2021, legalizing cannabis recreationally in Connecticut. Allowing possession among adults aged 21 and over started July 1, 2021.
It wasn't as simple as making Connecticut dispensaries recreational, though. Adults wouldn't get to purchase recreational cannabis until January 10, 2023. That's when the first recreational Connecticut dispensary opened its doors.
Recreational sales are underway, but the medical cannabis program is still going strong. Connecticut's cannabis laws and regulations are ever-changing. They evolve with feedback from patients and advocates across the state.
Now, there are over 30 dispensaries designated for medical, hybrid, or adult use only. Three are medical only, and nine are adult-use only. The other 18+ are hybrid retailers that carry both recreational and medical cannabis products.
This guide explores the extent of Connecticut's cannabis history. We'll dive further into the dispensaries in Connecticut, answer FAQs, and more.
Connecticut Dispensary Overview
Now that adult sales are legal in Connecticut, there are several dispensary options for CT residents. We’ll try to keep this list updated, but recreational and medical dispensary options are subject to change.
Number of medical dispensaries: 3
At present, Connecticut boasts three dedicated medical-only dispensaries. However, the majority of dispensaries in the state operate as hybrid establishments, catering to both medical and recreational consumers.
Number of recreational or hybrid dispensaries: 20
Connecticut takes a progressive stance with 20 hybrid dispensaries where both medical and recreational products are available. This ensures a comprehensive and inclusive cannabis market for residents and visitors alike. The nine other available dispensaries are for adult-use cannabis only.
Are cannabis home deliveries allowed?
Yes — both medical and recreational cannabis consumers can enjoy the convenience of home delivery. Dispensaries may have varying delivery policies, so it's recommended to inquire with individual locations for specific details.
Are there any drive-thru dispensaries?
Yes, certain hybrid retailers in Connecticut provide drive-thru services. This convenient option is available for both medical and recreational customers, adding an extra layer of accessibility to the cannabis shopping experience.
What are the possession and purchase limits in Connecticut dispensaries?
Starting December 1, 2023, Connecticut implemented new possession limits for recreational consumers. That new limit is up to 1/2 ounce of raw flower — or its equivalent — per transaction. One can buy different types and sizes of products together, but they must total no more than 1/2 ounce of flower. An example of that looks like four to eight vape cartridges or 14 pre-rolled one-gram joints.
Medical patients still enjoy more flexibility and higher allowances. There are no individual transaction limits; patients can buy up to five ounces of flower a month.
Are there any cannabis product type limitations for dispensaries in Connecticut?
Edibles can’t contain more than 5mg THC each, and there are several other product limitations. For example, products can’t appeal to individuals under the age of 21. Edibles can only be in cuboid or spherical forms. Anything that might appeal to children, like animal shapes, is strictly prohibited. These shape and even color restrictions apply to all cannabis products in Connecticut.
For answers to additional questions about Connecticut dispensaries and cannabis laws, please refer to the FAQ section at the end of this guide.
Connecticut Dispensaries: Recreational List
At present, there are nine adult-use cannabis dispensaries in Connecticut. There are 20 hybrid dispensaries that offer both recreational and medical cannabis products.
The recreational scene is relatively new and still developing. Anticipate seeing more recreational dispensaries in Connecticut as time progresses. Several hybrid and adult-use retailers have already obtained their provisional licenses. Many dispensaries are in the pipeline to open over the next year.
Below are some of the top-rated Connecticut dispensaries that are adult-use in nature. They’re each hybrids, so they cater to medical cannabis patients, too. Each dispensary is vetted by Google reviewers with a 4.0-star rating or better. However, everyone is different, and this is by no means a complete list. Be sure to research local dispensaries to discover the shop that best suits your preferences.
RISE Dispensary Orange
- Classification: Med/Rec
- Open Monday through Friday, 10 A.M. to 8 P.M. (Medical Hours 9 A.M. to 10 A.M.), Saturday 10 A.M. to 7 P.M. (Medical Hours 9 A.M. to 10 A.M.), Sunday 12 P.M. to 5 P.M. (Medical Hours 11 A.M. to 12 P.M.)
- (203) 496-5200 (Chat Online also available)
- 175 Boston Post Road, Orange, CT 06477
RISE Dispensary Branford
- Classification: Med/Rec
- Open Monday through Saturday, 9 A.M. to 8 P.M., Sunday, 9 A.M. to 6 P.M.
- (203) 488-1388 (Chat Online also available)
- 471 East Main Street, Branford, CT 06405
Fine Fettle in Newington
- Classification: Med/Rec
- Open Monday through Saturday, 9 A.M. to 8 P.M., Sunday, 10 A.M. to 6 P.M.
- (860) 333-9032
- 2280 Berlin Turnpike, Newington, CT 06111
Fine Fettle in Stamford
- Classification: Med/Rec
- Open Monday through Saturday, 9 A.M. to 8 P.M., Sunday, 10 A.M. to 6 P.M.
- (203) 989-9133
- 12 Research Drive, Stamford, CT 06907
The Botanist in Danbury
- Classification: Med/Rec
- Hybrid Hours: Monday through Friday 10 A.M. to 8 P.M., Saturday 10 A.M. to 6 P.M., Sunday 10 A.M. to 3 P.M.
- Medical Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 A.M. to 8 P.M., Saturday, 9 A.M. to 6 P.M., Sunday, 10 A.M. to 3 P.M.
- (203) 909-6869
- 105 Mill Plain Road, Danbury, CT 06811
Connecticut Medical Dispensaries
Since medical cannabis in Connecticut has been legal since 2012, the program has ballooned in growth. While recreational sales are up, and there’s been a drop in cannabis patient numbers, CT still has a thriving medical cannabis market. The three medical cannabis Connecticut dispensaries, in addition to the 20 adult-use hybrid retailers, serve over 42,000 medical cannabis patients across the state.
Stay informed with a current list of medical dispensaries available in CT. In the meantime, check out some of the top-rated dispensaries in Connecticut. These are highly ranked dispensaries that hold a 4.0+ star rating on Google Reviews. Some of them will have additional locations in other cities. In addition, the cities and shops listed here are not a complete list. Be sure to check with your nearby CT dispensary before your visit to verify hours and product availability.
Zen Leaf Waterbury
(formerly known as Caring Nature Dispensary)
- Classification: Medical only
- Open Monday through Saturday, 9 A.M. to 8 P.M., Closed Sundays
- (203) 527-0936
- 237 E Aurora St, Waterbury, CT 06708
Curaleaf Dispensary Hartford CT
- Classification: Med/Rec
- Open Monday through Saturday, 9 A.M. to 8 P.M., Sunday, 9 A.M. to 7 P.M.
- (860) 246-4673
- 92 Weston St, suite 16, Hartford, CT 06120
Curaleaf Dispensary Stamford CT
- Classification: Med/Rec
- Open Monday through Saturday, 9 A.M. to 8 P.M., Sunday, 9 A.M. to 7 P.M.
- (203) 324-4673
- 814 E Main St, Stamford, CT 06902
Affinity Dispensary in New Haven
- Classification: Med/Rec
- Open Monday through Saturday, 9 A.M. to 8 P.M., Sunday, 10 A.M. to 6 P.M.
- (203) 745-3823
- 1351 Whalley Ave, New Haven, CT 06515
Bluepoint Wellness in Westport
- Classification: Medical only
- Open Monday through Friday, 9 A.M. to 7 P.M., Saturday, 9 A.M. to 5 P.M., Sunday, 11 A.M. to 5 P.M.
- (203) 292-8611
- 1460 Post Rd E, Westport, CT 06880
Connecticut Dispensaries FAQ
What is the minimum age to enter a dispensary in Connecticut?
The age limit for dispensaries varies for Connecticut cannabis law based on the type of dispensary. Individuals 18 and older with a Connecticut medical cannabis card may enter medical dispensaries. However, you may not enter a recreational CT dispensary unless you’re 21 years of age or older.
What do you need to enter and purchase from a CT dispensary?
Even if you’re a first-time cannabis shopper, you’re in good hands. In short summary, you’ll need, at minimum, some valid form of identification. A state ID, driver’s license, or even your passport will do the trick.
If you enter into a medical dispensary, you’ll also want to have your state-issued MMJ card handy.
Lastly, it’s best to bring cash. Due to cannabis banking still being a sticky subject, many dispensaries only do cash sales. Many dispensaries will have an ATM, but it’s easier to have the cash already to save yourself time and possibly higher ATM fees.
How much is medical marijuana in CT medical dispensaries?
The cost of medical cannabis varies drastically from state to state. Like in most states, Connecticut’s recreational cannabis is more expensive than its medical cannabis. The average ounce of high-grade may run $350, while an ounce of medical is typically under $300. All of that’s before taxes, which recreational users also pay more of than medical cannabis patients.
What is the average cost of adult-use cannabis in Connecticut recreational dispensaries?
The average cost of one ounce of high-grade recreational cannabis is around $350 before tax. That’s over $50 more than the average cost of its medical cannabis counterpart.
What is the retail tax?
Cannabis consumers, both medical and recreational, pay the state’s usual 6.35% sales tax. Recreational users can also anticipate a 3% sales tax to the city or town where the sale happens and a tax based on the amount of THC in the product. That last tax percentage varies between approximately 10% and 15%. Overall, the total tax rate for a recreational consumer is around 20% of the price of the purchased cannabis product.
How much does it cost to get an MMJ card to access medical dispensaries in Connecticut?
It’s easier than ever to get a medical cannabis card in Connecticut. Get started with an online consultation and evaluation for just $149 through a service like NuggMD. That includes a one-year certification or recertification if you’re simply renewing your medical card. And if you’re not approved for a medical cannabis card, you don’t pay anything!
Conclusion
Connecticut offers a diverse range of dispensary options, from medical-only shops to hybrid dispensaries for adult-use consumers.
If you have additional questions, browse our list of common Connecticut patient FAQs. Or learn more about the state's qualifying conditions, how to become or appoint a CT caregiver, and the unique benefits available to med card holders in the state.
Visit NuggMD Connecticut to get started and find the latest cannabis news and information to enhance your cannabis experience.
