Connecticut governor says he could only smoke one joint after weed legalization

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Next week, Connecticut will become the 19th state to legalize adult cannabis, and Governor Ned Lamont could just light a joint to celebrate.

Lamont has been pushing the Nutmeg State to end its cannabis ban since its election in 2018, but it took until 2021 for those plans to materialize. After lawmakers fumbled in their first attempts to pass a law for adult use, lawmakers convened a special session this month focused solely on legalizing weed.

In the course of two hectic weeks, the legislature hatched the final details of this groundbreaking initiative. At some point, the governor even threatened to veto the bill over an amendment that would allow tens of thousands of people with previous cannabis convictions to apply for social justice licenses. Legislators chose to step back from the controversial amendment and passed the bill last Thursday – exactly fifty years to the day after America began its failed war on drugs.

“It is fitting that the law to legalize adult cannabis use and combat injustices caused by the drug war was finally passed today, on the 50th anniversary of President Nixon’s declaration of war,” Lamont said in a statement. “The war on cannabis, which was essentially a war against the people of Black and Brown communities, has not only created injustice and greater inequalities in our state, but done little to protect public health and safety.”

In a recent interview, the governor made it clear that he would sign the law this week. And to the surprise of reporters, he indicated that he might not be able to participate in some newly approved weed himself. When News 12 reporter John Craven asked if Connecticut “could expect to see the governor smoke a joint soon,” Lamont shrugged and nodded. “Not at the moment, but we’ll see,” he added loudly to Marijuana Moment.

Once signed, the bill will create an adult cannabis retail market and provide a way for former cannabis offenders to clear their criminal records. Starting July 1, adults 21 and older are allowed up to 1.5 ounces of weed in public and 5 ounces in their homes. The country will also begin drafting regulations for the retail sales market, which is expected to start next May. However, no final commitment has yet been made on this start date.

This fall, government-registered medical cannabis patients will be allowed to grow up to three mature and three immature cannabis plants at home. Other adults will also be allowed to grow their own weed, but not before 2023. THC levels in legal cannabis products will be capped at 30 percent for flowers and 60 percent for concentrates. The new law will also prevent many employers from testing employees for THC, and provides additional protection for parents and renters who use legal weed.

“Connecticut is just the latest domino to fall as states begin lifting their failed marijuana ban and replacing it with a sensible system of legalization and regulation,” said Erik Altieri, executive director of NORML, in a statement. “Never before has the momentum for legalization been as strong as it was in 2021, as four state legislatures are already approving bills to ensure that state law reflects the overwhelming will of its residents in just a few months.”

“Federal lawmakers must stop dragging their feet and get the message: It is time to take quick action to end our federal ban and allow states to legalize marijuana at their own discretion.”