Bob Godfrey

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 Criminal laws prohibiting possession have been repealed.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, June 22, 2021. 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.

I want to tell you what the new law does, in a series of e-mails because there are a some noteworthy layers of the bill proponents and opponents of the bill should be clear on and understand.

Today, I’ll focus on what the legislation does with respect to mental health and addiction.

First, we’ve included significant funding for outreach efforts to not only help the public understand the new cannabis law but also to deliver comprehensive messages to potentially vulnerable populations to help support a safe rollout.

The Department of Public Health (DPH) must hold stakeholder conferences annually to continue regular conversations, and collect, analysis, and publish health data for planning and implementing public health programs.

Second, the new law also supports efforts for the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) to make policy and program recommendations by collecting and analyzing data to support prevention efforts.

Third, we will implement new, professional development programs, evidence-based screenings, and more data-driven efforts to make sure behavioral and mental health needs of our adolescents and transitional age youth are met – and, that providers are equipped with best practices for dealing with cannabis use disorders and cannabis misuse.

If you or someone you know requires assistance, please don't hesitate to reach out to me at the Capitol at 1-800-842-1902 or email me at Bob.Godfrey@cga.ct.gov.