Oregon Cannabis Sales Reach New Highs in 2020

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The past year has been a monumental year for cannabis sales around the country, and Oregon is no exception. Total marijuana sales in the state jumped from $795 million in 2019 to over $1 billion ($1,110,520,723 exactly) in 2020, according to data from the Oregon Liquor Control Commission.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, the most dramatic spikes in cannabis sales occurred during coronavirus-related lockdowns and racial justice protests.

Oregonians began buying a lot more recreational cannabis in March when Gov. Kate Brown instituted a stay-at-home order and other restrictions in an attempt to slow the spread of the coronavirus pandemic. In the midst of this, cannabis businesses were deemed essential, and were therefore allowed to continue serving customers throughout most of the year.

Sales numbers for marijuana rose by about 20% in March, and in May, Oregon marijuana sales topped $100 million in a single month for the first time. Sales then surpassed $100 million in each of the three months that followed as well, with a high of more than $106 million in July, at the climax of racial justice protests in Portland.

State tax revenue from 2020’s marijuana sales will likely exceed $150 million. Much of that will go toward substance-abuse screening and programs to address addiction.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.