Illinois legal weed sales during the first full month of coronavirus lockdown amount to almost $37.3 million

Legal weed sales during Illinois’ first full month of coronavirus lockdown amounted to almost $37.3 million, surpassing every month of recreational marijuana sales in Illinois so far except January.

Dispensaries have been allowed to stay open during Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s stay-at-home order, which has been extended through May. But operators have had to adapt, implementing online ordering systems, curbside pickup and enforcing social distancing in stores.

Even April 20, the well-known holiday celebrating marijuana, was subdued this year. Dispensaries stretched out 4/20 deals to reduce overcrowding in stores, and some celebrated the occasion virtually.

Still, last month’s sales bested March’s almost $36 million and February’s roughly $35 million. April sales trailed only the $39.2 million in revenue during January, the first full month of recreational sales in the state.

April’s sales bring the state total to about $147.5 million in legal weed sales over the last four months, according to data from the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, which regulates dispensaries.

Keeping sales up isn’t the only challenge the industry faces during the ongoing health crisis. The state delayed awarding licenses for 75 new recreational marijuana dispensaries last week, due to the pandemic. [Read more at Chicago Tribune]