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by Stockwatch Business Reporter

The S&P/TSX Cannabis Index added a fraction to 32.06, while the CSE Composite Index added a fraction to 196.37. South of the border, today brought the long-awaited launch of recreational cannabis sales in Connecticut, a state with a population of over 3.5 million.

Local operators have been waiting for this day since Connecticut legalized cannabis in June, 2021. The original goal was to see retailers ring up their first sales in May, 2022, but as regulators crafted a complex permitting system that includes strict licence limits and some of the highest fees in the country, the launch date fell ever further behind. Even today, only seven stores across the state were able to participate in day-one sales.

The owners of the lucky seven are mostly private, but include Verano Holdings Corp. (VRNO), down seven cents to $3.97 on 168,800 shares. Verano issued a press release this morning to bob a curtsy at the "distinguished guests" who visited its store today in Meriden. These included Lieutenant-Governor Susan Bysiewicz, Meriden Mayor Kevin Scarpati and various senior cannabis regulators. "We're honoured to celebrate this moment," declared founder and chief executive officer George Archos. Similarly, Acreage Holdings Inc. (ACRG.A.U), unchanged at 60 U.S. cents on 15,400 shares, was "thrilled" to welcome Senator Cathy Osten and other state and local officials to its store in Montville. CEO Peter Caldini added that he looks forward to serving the sure-to-be "booming" Connecticut market.

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