Cannabis Bill Heads to the Governor's Desk

June 17, 2021
I am proud to have played a small role in developing this law through the General Law Committee. This has been a long time in the making and our staff and staff at Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection have worked hard behind the scenes on the "nuts and bolts" regulations that will make this the most progressive and thoughtful legalization regime in the country.
In sum, the new cannabis marketplace:
  • Legalizes Adult-Use
    • Permits the use and possession of recreational cannabis for people 21+ beginning July 1, 2021.
    • No more than 1.5 ounces of cannabis on a person and as much as 5 ounces in-home or locked in a car trunk or glove box.
    • Retail sales are expected to begin around summer 2022.
    • Any individual 21+ will be permitted to grow up to six cannabis plants (three mature, three immature) in their home beginning July 1, 2023.
  • Focuses on Equity
    • Communities of color have been disproportionately devastated by the War on Drugs and this legislation ensures Connecticut rights those wrongs through an equity fund, criminal justice reforms and economic opportunities.
    • The bill erases convictions related to possession of less than 4 oz. of marijuana, for offenses occurring between 2015 – 2021 and erases convictions related to possession of any amount of marijuana for offenses occurring between 2000-2015.
  • Invests in Public Health and Prevention
    • In addition to the equity fund, this legislation directs money to prevention efforts and mental health and addiction services.
      • Only 15% of revenues will go into the General Fund.
  • Addresses Public Safety
    • Establishes a multi-level system to train police officers to recognize impaired driving and keep roads safe.
    • All officers will be trained to the Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement level, and enough will be trained to the Drug Recognition Expert level to recognize impairment.
  • Listens to the Voters' Wants
    • Polls show CT residents overwhelmingly support legalized adult-use.
Change never comes easily and rarely does it occur as quickly as we might like. But with both the House and Senate taking this major step forward, we can ensure we address this policy in a progressive way and is dedicated to righting wrongs through funding, criminal justice reforms, and economic opportunities.