(WXYZ) — While the economy has come to nearly a halt more than two months into the coronavirus pandemic, one industry in Michigan is seeing record sales: Marijuana.
With marijuana dispensaries deemed essential, businesses have adapted to the changing times with curbside pickup and home delivery.
Sales began Dec. 1, 2019 in the state and in the first week, more than $1.6 million was sold throughout the state with only a few shops open and licensed to sell recreationally.
That number has grown week-to-week, and in the first week of March, there were just over $5 million in sales.
Michigan had its first cases of coronavirus confirmed on March 10, and the first stay-at-home order went into effect two weeks later on March 24, closing most businesses.
According to the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, marijuana sales for March 23-March 29 were just over $4.5 million. They stayed around that mark and a little higher through mid-April, when things took a drastic turn.
Last week, the state reported a record $7,913,328 million in recreational marijuana sales, an increase of nearly 40% from the month before. It was also the fourth straight week with more than $7 million in sales.
In the last four weeks, the state has totaled just under $30 million in sales, which is about a third of the total made since sales began on Dec. 1.
In all, LARA reports that Michigan recreational marijuana sales are $91,592,936, which has resulted in $9,159,294 in excise tax and $6,045,134 in sales tax.
There are 104 marijuana retailers in the state, according to LARA. Of those, 63 are approved for home delivery.
