Opening day for recreational cannabis is ‘a great day for the state.’ More than $200K sold.

Opening day for recreational cannabis sales in Connecticut appeared to go smoothly Tuesday, with lines both short and long at the seven dispensaries spread across the state.

A spokesperson for the state Department of Consumer Protection said Tuesday that seven licensed retailers throughout the state had recorded $251,276 in adult-use cannabis sales by 5 p.m.

At Fine Fettle in Newington, there was no one in line at 9 a.m., waiting for the state-mandated 10 a.m. opening of legal sales. At RISE in Branford there were five at 9 a.m., growing to 35 by 10 a.m.

And at Affinity in New Haven, there were about 90 at the opening, “from our door all the way down to Burger King” on upper Whalley Avenue, according to G.R. Noffsinger, director of security.

Many ordered online before they arrived, or, in the case of Fine Fettle and Affinity, placed their order outside before they were allowed to enter the dispensary, either with a staff member or by using a QR code.

Marghie Giuliano, Fine Fettle’s chief compliance officer, said the dispensary’s required online ordering and reservation system was intended to keep an orderly pace Tuesday.

“The online orders really helped to manage the traffic flow,” Giuliano said.

But Giuliano said she expected customer traffic to be brisk Tuesday. At Fine Fettle’s Stamford location, there were between 300 and 500 preorders by 5 a.m. The orders for Newington were still being tallied as of 9 a.m., but they were in the “hundreds,” Giuliano said.

While customers said they were happy with how smoothly and quickly their purchase went, there were those upset that no products were on display, a state requirement, as they are in Massachusetts.

“That’s a bit of a rage quit for me,” said a New Haven man who would only give his name as Bob. “I want to be able to go up and look at stuff, at the variety. ... Only a fool buys something you can’t physically see.” He then left, saying he would not return.

Most, though, seemed pleased with the process. “Everything went smooth,” said Robert Lawler of East Haven “It’s a good day. I’ve waited my whole life for this.”

“It definitely beats driving up to Massachusetts every two weeks, an hour each way,” said his daughter, Megan Lawler, also of East Haven.

“I’m motivated because for me this is an historic day for Connecticut,” said Randy Beach of New Haven, who said he ran five miles from his East Rock home to Affinity in Westville. Coming out with a five-pack of Rariden shorties, which he bought for $37, Beach said, “I’m pleasantly surprised. ... I just zipped right through. This is very professionally run.”

A woman named Susan, who gave her age as 70 but wouldn’t give her last name, said she uses cannabis for pain and appetite issues. “I think it’s great. I have been to Massachusetts, went to California,” she said. “I thought it was quite civilized. I think that people are better behaved on this than alcohol.”

At 8:45 a.m. at Fine Fettle’s dispensary on the Berlin Turnpike in Newington, employees had set up lines outside the store for medical and recreational cannabis sales. A table with swag — Fine Fettle-branded lighters and cloth shopping bags — also was in place.

At RISE (formerly Bluepoint Wellness), there were Caribbean Vibe, a steel drum band, and free doughnuts.

Dennis So, the general manager of Fine Fettle in Newington, said there were between 300 and 500 preorders at the dispensary as of midmorning Tuesday.

The reasons were diverse for recreational cannabis purchasers turning out Tuesday in Newington.

“I have been consuming for quite a few years and now that the state of Connecticut has finally legalized it, I’m here in passion and excitement,” Elijah Giguere of East Hartford said. “I use it every night as a sleep aid, and I use it as a way to ease anxiety in a lot of social situations.”

State Sen. Matt Lesser D-Middletown, who cut the ribbon Tuesday in Newington, said in an interview that the state’s launch wisely started with a few locations with more in the works. In Newington, Fine Fettle’s reservation system served to control crowds and prevent backups on the Berlin Turnpike.

“Starting small is the smart way to do it and allows us to really — one, learn from other states but work out any kinks in the system,” Lesser said.

Lesser said there were certainly trade-offs in legalizing recreational cannabis.

“One issue that I am very concerned about and have been for a long time is making sure our roads are safe,” Lesser said. “We also have to recognize that people have been consuming cannabis long before we had legal sales, so that is an issue that we’ve had to address. So it’s true for this and for all other substances.

“But the good news is that we are generating revenue for substance abuse prevention and treatment, which is hugely important,” Lesser said. “We’re also bringing in an industry out from the shadows and bringing it into a new regulated framework and, hopefully, be able to manage some of the social costs as a result. But overwhelmingly this is what the public has asked us to do for years. And I think it’s overdue, and I think we can work with our adult residents to roll this out in a way that’s responsible and reflects what they want and protects the public.”

While medical marijuana has been legal since 2012 and for sale since 2014, recreational, or adult-use, cannabis was legalized in June 2021. In December, state Consumer Protection Commissioner Michelle Seagull announced that sales could begin Tuesday.

“We have had no reported issues at any of our retailers, and we are proud of the successful launch of the regulated adult-use market,” said Seagull said after 5 p.m. Tuesday,

“It’ll be a slow ramp,” said Ben Kovler, CEO of Green Thumb Industries, which owns RISE. “It’s not going to be a big slam.” Branford was the company’s 77th store, he said.

“We’ve hired 100 people in the last 30 days,” 50 in retail and 50 in production, Kovler said. Consumer Protection Commissioner Michelle Seagull announced Dec. 9 that adult-use sales could begin at 10 a.m. Tuesday, giving companies just a month to produce recreational products, package them and renovate their dispensaries to handle both medical and recreational customers.

John Caruso of Branford was third in line at RISE, arriving at 8:30 a.m. “I’ve been waiting for this for about 20 years,” he said. “I am 39 now, been using for about 20 years. It’s quite a day, an historic day.”

Caruso said he likes pre-rolls because they are easier to use. “Although, I do like the aspect of doing it myself,” he said. “I have a couple of dogs; take them outside, smoke a joint, watch them run around.”

Andrew Smith of Branford said he tried to make an order online but found out that the advertised discounts were only for medical patients. The recreational offerings were only available Tuesday.

“I never thought I’d see this happen in my lifetime,” he said. “I’m 60 so I’m just surprised it’s come to this point.” He planned to buy vape pens and some flower.

Hannah Lacey, 26, of Lyme drove to Branford, unaware that the Botanist dispensary in Montville was closer to her home. She planned to buy a vape cartridge. When she left the store, she said the experience was positive.

“It was great. It was so fast, in and out,” she said. “It was busy in there but they did a great job.”

“Today marks a turning point in the injustices caused by the war on drugs, most notably now that there is a legal alternative to the dangerous, unregulated, underground market for cannabis sales,” Gov. Ned Lamont said in a statement.

“Together with our partners in the legislature and our team of professionals at the Department of Consumer Protection, we’ve carefully crafted a securely regulated market that prioritizes public health, public safety, social justice, and equity,” Lamont said. “I look forward to continuing our efforts to ensure that this industry remains inclusive and safe as it develops.”

The line for recreational cannabis sales grew steadily after a ribbon cutting at Fine Fettle in Newington just before the 10 a.m. opening. By 10:15 a.m., about 30 had already entered the dispensary.

The first reservation was secured by Erik Wichert of Plainville.

“It’s a long time coming to the state of Connecticut and all the cannabis users in the state,” Wichert said. “It’s a great day for the state.

Wichert said he purchased cannabis flower Tuesday.

“I prefer the traditional flower over any of the newfangled stuff,” Wichert said.

Ray Moz, 62, of South Windsor, was a walk-up who had to secure an appointment as he waited in line.

“I’m very excited,” said Moz, who described himself as a product of the ’60s and ‘70s. “I almost slept last night. I’ll sleep much better tonight.

Moz said, “You know what’s funny? Everybody smokes and it’s a big secret and this and that” and now there are concerns about driving while high.

“I stay home,” Moz said. “They can’t arrest me at home with my bong in my BarcaLounger.”

The United Food and Commercial Workers Union Locals 371 and 919 said Tuesday they are excited to see the openings.

“Today is an exciting day for Connecticut,” said Ron Petronella, president of UFCW Local 371. “We look forward to righting some of the wrongs of the past to ensure that this industry is equitable for all — especially the working people. We are proud to have signed labor peace agreements with many of the existing cannabis operators here in the state, making it easier for cannabis workers to form their union.”

Seven dispensaries opened Tuesday:

● Affinity Health & Wellness, 1351 Whalley Ave., New Haven

● The Botanist, 887 Norwich-New London Turnpike, Montville

● Fine Fettle Dispensary, 2280 Berlin Turnpike, Newington

● Fine Fettle Dispensary, 12 Research Drive, Stamford

● Fine Fettle Dispensary, 1548 W. Main St., Willimantic

● RISE (formerly Bluepoint Wellness of Connecticut), 471 E. Main St., Branford

● Zen Leaf Meriden (formerly Willow Brook Wellness), 1371 E. Main St., Meriden

Two other medical dispensaries were approved but did not open Tuesday:

● The Botanist, 105 Mill Plain Road, Danbury

● Still River Wellness, 3568 Winsted Road, Torrington

All nine dispensaries are hybrids; they have sold medical marijuana until now, and now also will sell adult-use cannabis. They all must have a pharmacist on site, as they have since 2014.

While medical customers now can buy up to 5 ounces of cannabis, or its equivalent, per month, recreational customers can purchase a quarter ounce per transaction. This is to ensure enough product to go around, according to the Department of Consumer Protection.

This may be a quarter ounce of flower or seven pre-rolled cigarettes weighing 1 gram; two to four vape cartridges, which come in 0.5 and 1 milliliter sizes; brownies and other edibles, which cannot contain more than 0.5 milligrams of THC and can be the equivalent of 0.8 grams of flower.

Cannabis also comes as concentrates that may be smoked, gummies, tablets, oils, topical products, tinctures, beverages and even olive oil.

Customers can use cash or debit cards to buy cannabis, according to Adam Wood, president of the Connecticut Cannabis Chamber of Commerce, but not credit cards because marijuana is illegal federally, classified as a Schedule 1 drug, along with heroin and cocaine.

One of the requirements for sales is that medical customers be given priority, both in supply and access at the dispensaries. Separate lines and cash registers have been installed to keep the two markets separate.

Most of the dispensaries are owned by large multi-state businesses, such as Verano (Zen Leaf) and Acreage (The Botanist). Fine Fettle is a multi-state operator that is based in Connecticut and has branched out into other states.

Ed Stannard can be reached at estannard@courant.com. Kenneth R. Gosselin can be reached at kgosselin@courant.com.