Bob Godfrey

It’s official: Possession of cannabis – marijuana - by adults age 21 and older will be legal in Connecticut July 1, 2021.

Criminal laws prohibiting possession have been repealed. Adults (21 and older) can have up to 1.5 ounces of cannabis on their person, and up to 5 ounces stored in their homes or locked in their car or truck.

Governor Lamont signed the act on Tuesday. SB1201 passed the General Assembly with my support, and 64 % of the people of Connecticut. It is a comprehensive plan with careful regulation over a significant time span. Retail sales won't start until the summer of 2022. Home growing won't be allowed before July 1, 2023.

So, I want to tell you what the new law does, in a series of e-mails, especially regarding public safety, public health, and young people.
 

Today, I’ll focus on kids.

I shared my colleagues’ concerns about advertising that could entice young people and we addressed it in the law. I took it seriously. I don’t want see ads featuring any Tok-Tok or other social media ‘star’ like Connecticut native Charli D'Amelio, or anyone who appeals to kids. That includes toys or cartoon characters. There will be no cannabis version of "Joe Camel."

• No advertising in a medium, time, or place in which more than 10% of the audience is reasonably expected to be minors, nor within 500 feet of a school
• No sponsorship of an event in which more than 10% of the audience is reasonably expected to be minors.
• Require this disclaimer: “Do not use cannabis if you are under 21 years of age. Keep cannabis out of the reach of children.”

• No brand names that are misleading or targeted at minors.