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Maine marijuana shops report brisk business despite pandemic

Marijuana is sold at Theory Wellness, a cannabis retail store, Thursday, Jan. 7, 2021, in South Portland, Maine. Cannabis has rocketed to the top of the state's agricultural crops, but the first few months of legal adult use sales have otherwise been without much fanfare. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty)

PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — Maine marijuana shops are reporting brisk business even though the state’s rollout of legal marijuana sales has been muted compared with others because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Sales began in October as the pandemic was worsening in the state and around the country.


State authorities report sales have exceeded $4 million and dozens of new businesses are in the pipeline.

Maine is now home to 15 marijuana stores, 16 cultivation facilities and nine product manufacturing facilities that have active licenses.

The state approved the first six active licenses in September. Dozens more licenses are in various places along the pipeline.