Oregon has made $11 million after just one week of recreational marijuana sales, exceeding original estimates the state would only generate $9 million in net tax revenue for the first full year of 2017.
State dispensaries earned an impressive $3.5 million in the first day, according to KGW News, far surpassing Colorado’s first full week of sales at $5 million. Washington was also bested, generating a paltry $2 million in its first month.
The Oregon Retail Cannabis Association believes sales will be as much as four times original estimates within the first year, a feat for a state with a population of 3.97 million.
Dispensary owner Jeff Johnson noted he’s seeing “about 500 people a day” now that legalization has gone into full effect, while Rachel Clerk, an employee with Fresh Buds in Portland, said hundreds of new customers are bringing in much needed business when previously, her store was trying to survive on 15 medical marijuana patients a day.
Oregon voted to legalize marijuana for recreational use last year with anyone aged 21 or older being eligible to purchase.
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