Through August 2018 – the most recent data available from the Colorado Department of Revenue – recreational marijuana sales topped $800 million and the state is on pace to surpass $1.2 billion by the end of the year.
That would represent a 12% increase over total sales in 2017.
The sales data alone do not reveal what’s driving the increases, though there are signs that suggest expanded access to rec stores and shifting consumer preferences may be at play.
As of August 2017, 498 recreational stores were licensed throughout the state; that number grew to 541 by September 1, 2018 – a 9% increase.