Connecticut Senate Approves Legal Cannabis, Governor Lamont Ready to Sign Law!

A win for cannabis from legalization in one state is a win for all other states, and the Connecticut Senate just delivered great news! If you’ve followed the cannabis legalization process in America, you’ll agree that the path to legalization varies from state to state.

It all makes sense, however, and becomes a call to celebration when the state finally legalizes it. Connecticut is already joining many other states in the legalized cannabis train, which has happened most dramatically.

As the Connecticut Senate voted

The Connecticut Senate passed the cannabis legalization bill a few days before the session ended. The proposal was sent to the House for final approval within that short timeframe, and the Chairs of the House were keen to get the bill passed in its chambers before the end of Wednesday’s session.

This cannabis legalization bill has been in the Senate for weeks, with intense negotiations between Governor Lamont’s office and Connecticut lawmakers. On the Saturday before the week it was legalized, the final language was introduced, leaving little time for lawmakers to review the proposal.

However, during the plenary debate, which was extended into the early hours of Tuesday morning, the bill was passed by 19-17 votes. Senator Gary Winfield argued that the “war on drugs” affected several communities in the state. He also claimed that contrary to popular opinion, not many people are in state prison for possession of cannabis. He believes that this legalization status in Connecticut will end the negative effects of the war on cannabis that are being felt in the state today.

The positive effects of the legalization process on minority communities in Connecticut

History has always shown how unfriendly marijuana legislation has been to minority communities such as blacks and South Americans. In most states, such minority communities are often targeted and arrested for possession of marijuana, which has become a negative label for these communities.

The Connecticut Senate debate over the legalization of cannabis reflected that story and what it will mean for the future of cannabis and the legal access that minority communities have.

Senators Moore, Miller, and McCory are all black and Puerto Rican caucus members in the house. They stressed the importance of social justice provisions that will bring a higher percentage of cannabis revenues to the minority cities hit by the war on drugs and the era of drug law.

Therefore, as the Senate President affirmed, the legislation is “88 years overdue,” which coincides with the 1933 alcohol ban timetable. Senate President Gary Winfield agreed that marijuana use was shaped by prejudice against minority groups.

So in the past it was common to view cannabis in a derogatory way by associating it with people of black and Mexican origins. With entire communities decimated in the past, this new cannabis legalization legislation seeks to create better cannabis narrative in Connecticut now and in the future.

Important details about Connecticut’s Cannabis Legalization Act

Legislation requires people 21 and older to buy and own marijuana.

The law also legalizes possession of up to 1.5 ounces and an additional 5 ounces in a home or locked vehicle starting January 2022.

Retail sales of legalized marijuana are expected to begin in May 2022, with a home grown marijuana allowance for those who have a medical marijuana card starting October 1, 2022. Others without a medical card but who plan to use marijuana for recreational purposes will gain access by 2023.

The law also clears some drug convictions and puts in place a petition process to clear others. The criminal convictions for possessing less than four ounces of cannabis will automatically be lifted from 2023. Convictions from January 1, 2000 to September 15, 2015 are also overturned.

Individuals can also petition to overturn other cannabis convictions starting July 1, 2022. The petitions should relate to possession of small amounts of cannabis or marijuana paraphernalia.

For licenses, half is reserved for producers and retailers for social justice applicants, who are defined as businesses with at least 65% owned by a person with limited income. The company should also be in an area disproportionately affected by drug control.

Before the licenses are granted, the companies’ proposals are examined by a 15-member equity council. The council sets the rules for equity applicants, examines their application and decides whether or not to grant them the license.

The state of Connecticut will create two lotteries for licenses. The first lottery is for social justice applicants only, and permits will cost up to $ 3 million. For the same $ 3 million, a medical marijuana maker can become a recreational provider.

To enter the production license lottery, an applicant pays $ 1,000; The winners will have to pay $ 3 million for the license. Licenses can also be unionized and have been called “labor peace agreements”.

All existing medical marijuana dispensaries will now become hybrid retailers serving adult consumers. Regulators will accept applications for hybrid permits in September 2021.

Bottom line

Connecticut could generate $ 80 million in revenue from legalizing cannabis, a quantum leap in its financial health. This is a bold move that will secure the future of cannabis in the state, so it has been dubbed “an Historic Day for a New Connecticut Cannabis Industry”.

Legislation has created a robust and inclusive process that enables cannabis enthusiasts and users in the state to gain quick access to marijuana without prejudice. The state’s marijuana market is fairer as unions, small businesses, and individuals benefit from this legalization. It is a huge step forward towards a more sustainable drug policy in Connecticut on a broader scale.

American states are leading the way in legalizing marijuana, and if the trend continues, more people will reap the benefits of cannabis at both medical and recreational levels.

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