IndustryDevelopments | International & State Connecticut Herbology, the state's 18th and final medical cannabis dispensary, opened its doors in the town of Groton. The dispensary recently was acquired by Massachusettsbased Curaleaf from Grassroots Cannabis of Chicago. Connecticut's 8-year-old MMJ program has more than 40,000 registered patients. Lawmakers recently added chronic pain to the list of qualifying medical conditions, which is expected to provide another boost to the market. MJBizDaily projects that the state's MMJ program will approach $130 million-$160 million in sales this year. Hawaii State lawmakers approved a bill to allow medical marijuana businesses to make and sell edibles after MMJ patients began looking for ways to get the benefits of cannabis without vaping or smoking during the coronavirus pandemic. The legislation won't take effect until Jan. 1, and the state health department must develop rules before edibles sales can begin, according to local authorities. Currently, Hawaii's MMJ program is heavily regulated, with only eight vertically integrated licensees. 30 Marijuana Business Magazine | September 2020