US marijuana sales on 4/20 up 20 percent from 2016, report says

DENVER – States with legal marijuana programs had their most-successful 4/20 marijuana holiday ever this year, seeing a 20 percent increase in total sales over 2016, according to a report.

MJ Freeway, which tracks U.S. retail marijuana sales, says nationwide sales topped $45 million on April 20 and were 20 percent higher than last year’s numbers.

The organization says it saw a 13 percent increase in the number of orders placed across the country, and that the average amount spent was $77.21.

The increase in sales was predicted by MJ Freeway because more states have legalized marijuana over the past year, but the organization predicted sales would be slightly lower.

Colorado has yet to finalize its numbers for 4/20 or April, but estimated it transferred $16.3 million in taxes in February alone. The state sold about $1.3 billion in marijuana last year, which brought the state around $200 million in tax revenue.

4/20 is generally the day that sees the most marijuana sales, followed by New Year’s Eve and July 4.

Either medical or recreational marijuana, or both, are available in 28 states and the District of Columbia.