By Hi! People Editorial Team
Finding a Cannabis Dispensary Near Milford, CT: Your Complete Guide
If you live in Milford, CT and you've been searching for a nearby cannabis dispensary, you've probably noticed there isn't one within the city itself. That's the reality for a lot of shoreline Connecticut towns right now — the dispensary licensing process has been slow, and many coastal communities are still waiting.
The good news: Hi! People Cannabis Market in Derby is just 20 minutes north, and Milford residents have been making the drive since the day we opened. Here's everything you need to know about getting here, what to expect, and why the trip is worth it.
Why There's No Dispensary in Milford (Yet)
Connecticut's adult-use cannabis market launched in January 2023, but the licensing rollout has been gradual. Many municipalities are still working through zoning and approval processes. Milford — with its 14-mile coastline, walkable downtown green, and population of roughly 55,000 — is a natural market for a dispensary, but as of early 2026, no licensed retail location has opened within city limits.
That leaves Milford residents looking to nearby towns. And for the communities along the Route 8 corridor — including Orange, Shelton, and Stratford — Hi! People in Derby has become the go-to option.
How to Get to Hi! People from Milford
Our Derby dispensary is located at 90 Pershing Dr, Derby, CT 06418. There are two reliable routes from Milford:
Route 1: Via the Merritt Parkway (Fastest)
From Milford Green, take the Milford Connector (Route 15 ramp) north to the Merritt Parkway, then take Route 8 North into Derby. Exit at Pershing Drive. This route takes about 20 minutes and avoids I-95 entirely.
Route 2: Via Route 34 (No Highway)
From the Connecticut Post Mall area, take Route 1 to Route 34 West. This takes you directly into Derby without any highway driving. Same travel time — about 20 minutes — and a good option if you prefer surface roads.
From Silver Sands State Park
Head north on Naugatuck Avenue to connect with Route 1, then pick up Route 34 West into Derby. About 20-25 minutes.
What to Expect at Hi! People
Hi! People is not what most people picture when they think of a dispensary. The store is bright, clean, and designed to feel like a specialty shop. Here's what makes us different:
- The Bud Bar — Connecticut's first bud bar experience, where you can see and smell flower strains before you buy. No guessing, no generic descriptions — you choose what actually appeals to you. Learn more in our Bud Bar guide.
- Expert budtenders — our staff doesn't rush you. They learn what you like and refine their recommendations over repeat visits.
- Connecticut-grown products — flower, pre-rolls, edibles, THC beverages, vapes, concentrates, tinctures, and topicals from licensed CT cultivators.
- Free parking — on-site, no meters, no circling the block.
- Loyalty rewards — our Weedle program lets you earn points on every purchase.
Product Recommendations for Milford Residents
Living on the Connecticut shoreline comes with its own rhythms. Here's what Milford customers tend to gravitate toward:
- Post-beach relaxation — after a day at Silver Sands, customers love indica-leaning strains and low-dose edibles for a calm evening at home.
- Harbor-night social strains — heading out to Milford Harbor for dinner? Sativa and hybrid options set the right mood for conversation and good food.
- Creative focus — Milford's growing arts community reaches for strains known for unlocking creative flow.
- Weekend wind-down — THC beverages and microdose edibles are popular with Milford customers who prefer a measured, social experience.
Store Hours and Contact
- Address: 90 Pershing Dr, Derby, CT 06418
- Phone: 860-420-BUDS (2837)
- Hours: Monday–Saturday 10AM–8PM, Sunday 10AM–6PM
- Online ordering: shop.hipeople.com
Free on-site parking is available. No appointment needed — just walk in with your ID.
Cannabis Rules for Milford Residents
Connecticut law allows adults 21 and older to purchase and possess cannabis. A few things to keep in mind:
- Cannabis consumption is prohibited in all public spaces — that includes Silver Sands State Park, Milford's beaches, the Green, harbor areas, and sidewalks.
- Consumption is legal only in private residences.
- All state packaging and transport rules apply when driving home from the dispensary.
For the full breakdown, read our Connecticut Cannabis Possession Guide and our Connecticut Cannabis Laws 2026 overview.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a cannabis dispensary in Milford, CT?
There is no cannabis dispensary located within Milford city limits. The nearest option is Hi! People Cannabis Market at 90 Pershing Dr in Derby, CT — about 20 minutes north via Route 8.
What is the closest dispensary to Milford, CT?
Hi! People Cannabis Market in Derby is one of the closest dispensaries to Milford. The drive takes about 20 minutes via Route 8 North, avoiding I-95 congestion entirely.
Do I need a medical card to buy cannabis near Milford?
No. Connecticut allows recreational cannabis purchases for adults 21 and older with a valid government-issued photo ID. No medical card is required.
What are the best driving routes from Milford to Hi! People?
From Milford Green, take the Milford Connector to the Merritt Parkway, then Route 8 North to Derby. From the Connecticut Post Mall area, Route 34 West takes you directly into Derby. Both routes take about 20 minutes.
What products does Hi! People carry?
Hi! People carries flower, pre-rolls, edibles, THC beverages, vape cartridges, concentrates, tinctures, topicals, and accessories — all from licensed Connecticut cultivators and processors.
Can I order online and pick up at Hi! People?
Yes. Visit shop.hipeople.com, select the Derby location, build your order, and pick it up at 90 Pershing Dr. Your order will be ready when you arrive.
Ready to Visit?
Milford to Derby is 20 minutes and one of the easiest drives in the area. Check out our full Milford dispensary guide for detailed directions from every part of town, or browse our menu online and have your order ready for pickup when you arrive.