For cannabis retailers in Massachusetts and New York, when it snows, it rains money.
Over the two days before the massive late January winter storm blanketed the northeast in snow, Massachusetts cannabis stores rang up $7.1 million and $6.9 million, respectively, according to the state Cannabis Control Commission – well in excess of the $4.8 million in gross revenue reported on April 20, 2025.
The blizzard put operators on track to exceed sales records. It also provided a window into consumer behavior that retailers may be keen to note, but it’s unclear whether the trend will hold.
Through Feb. 4, Massachusetts cannabis retailers grossed $151 million, according to the CCC.
In 2025, annual sales exceeded $1.65 billion despite falling prices, suggesting increased market activity even amid price compression.
Snowfall means cannabis sales
In addition to 4/20, cannabis sellers enjoy increased business in the days before Thanksgiving, with Green Wednesday being the busiest day, according to past trends.
The connection between heavy snowfall and cannabis sales also appeared in New York, Maryland and New Jersey, where retailers saw Green Wednesday-level sales, according to industry data analytics platform Lit Alerts.
Chris Kulian, co-founder of Stoops NYC, a cannabis store in Manhattan’s Flatiron District, told the New York Post that his shop recorded an $8,000 increase in sales compared to the same time period a year ago.
Massachusetts cannabis retailers up, but cultivators still feeling pressure
The flurry of business for Massachusetts retailers may not be felt across the supply chain.
With more cultivation canopy per capita than other similar states, Massachusetts regulators are considering a temporary halt on new cultivation permits.
At the same time, Massachusetts’ lower taxes are luring Connecticut consumers across state lines in search of cheaper products, Western Mass News recently reported.
