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Connecticut Legalizes Cannabis for Recreational Use

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Earlier this week, Governor Ned Lamont signed a bill making Connecticut the latest state to legalize recreational use of cannabis.

According to the new law, people 21 and older will be allowed to possess and consume marijuana beginning July 1. It also lays the groundwork for a new cannabis industry in the state and attempts to address racial inequities stemming from that nation’s War on Drugs.

“We had a chance to learn from others, and I think we’ve got it right here in the state of Connecticut,” Lamont said during the bill signing ceremony at the state capitol. “Maybe we weren’t the first, but we were the first, I think, to show that we can get it right.”

The legislation received final approval from both chambers of the General Assembly last week during a special legislative session.

“I think it will be the most comprehensive and best cannabis legalization bill in the country,” House Majority Leader Jason Rojas said. “History will tell us if that’s true or not, but I feel confident in saying yes, right now, this is the best bill in the country and it’s going to move us in a direction of ensuring that we provide a well-regulated marketplace for adult use cannabis for adults who want to participate in that kind of activity.”

Although individuals 21 and over will now be allowed to possess or consume cannabis next month, retail sales of recreational cannabis in Connecticut are not expected to begin until summer 2022, at the earliest.

According to the Marijuana Policy Project, Connecticut is the 19th state to end cannabis prohibition. The group, which advocated for the bill, noted the legislation sets aside 50 percent of licenses for equity applicants, which include residents of communities that have been “disproportionately impacted” by drug-related crimes and high unemployment. Up to 75 percent of revenue will be dedicated toward equity efforts and community reinvestment.

During lengthy deliberations, the legislation received strong opposition from Republicans and some Democrats in the General Assembly. The Connecticut Medical Society, which also opposed the bill, voiced its disappointment and warned that legalization will have “harmful, even devastating effects,” especially on the state’s younger populations.

“Physicians base our opinions on science, data from peer-reviewed writings, observation, and patient interaction—which is why we believe the recreational use of marijuana is bad science, bad policy, and dangerous to Connecticut’s public health,” Medical Society President Dr. Gregory Shangold said.

He also believes there are “more effective ways” to combat racial disparities than legalizing cannabis. Rojas says state lawmakers will be happy to address and discuss issues raised by physicians.

Other critics have accused supporters of wanting to pass legalization to generate another income stream for the state. Senator Gary Winfield, co-chairman of the legislature’s Judiciary Committee, dismissed those criticisms.

There will also be different ways for people to apply to get involved in the state’s new adult cannabis market under the legislation.

According to Connecticut’s Department of Consumer Protection Commissioner Michelle H. Seagull, the expectation is that half of the licenses will be made available to social equity applicants. Legislative leaders have more than a month to appoint members of a new Social Equity Committee that will create criteria and review social equity applications for various licenses.