Maine Marijuana Shops Report Brisk Business Despite Pandemic

PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — Maine marijuana shops are reporting brisk business even though the state's rollout of legal marijuana sales has been muted compared with others because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Sales began in October as the pandemic was worsening in the state and around the country. State authorities report sales have exceeded $4 million and dozens of new businesses are in the pipeline.

Maine is now home to 15 marijuana stores, 16 cultivation facilities and nine product manufacturing facilities that have active licenses. The state approved the first six active licenses in September. Dozens more licenses are in various places along the pipeline.