Marijuana Possession Legal In CT, But There Are Some Restrictions

CONNECTICUT — With the turn of a calendar page comes a new era for law enforcement in the state, as marijuana possession becomes legal in Connecticut July 1.

There's a whole new industry that will arise out of the new law as well, but the cash registers won't start ringing in that space until the middle of next year.

Beginning Thursday, residents 21 and over may possess up to 1.5 ounces of marijuana on their person and up to 5 ounces secured in their home or vehicle. Retail sales will begin May 2022, and residents can start growing their own plants the following year.

The law also decriminalizes personal possession of up to five ounces, and eight ounces of cannabis in a locked container, imposing a civil fine in lieu of possible jail time. Police no longer have authorization to stop or search motorists on Connecticut roadways solely due to the smell of cannabis.

The new legislation preaches forgiveness, as well. Connecticut residents with convictions for cannabis possession, drug paraphernalia, or sale and manufacture of four or fewer ounces or six or fewer plants, would be able to petition to have them expunged. Beginning Jan. 1, 2023, all convictions from Jan. 1, 2000 through Sept. 15, 2015 for possession of fewer than four ounces will be struck from legal databases automatically.

The new law is Gov. Ned Lamont's signature piece of legislation, one that he championed throughout the 2021 legislative session and touted in his state-of-the-state address back in January.

The bill went through a number of contentious re-drafts before it made it to Lamont's desk. Most of the discussion centered around the social equity framework, which distinguish Connecticut's cannabis legislation from that of many other states. A new Social Equity Council will be formed to provide ongoing guidance and recommendations to lawmakers.

The law favors the assignment of cannabis retail operation licenses to those people and communities who were most disadvantaged by previous marijuana laws. Equity applicants will also be able to apply for technical assistance, workforce training and funding to cover startup costs. Licensing fees for social equity applicants will also be half of the norm.

Lamont said marijuana sales would bring in around $33.6 million in revenue for the state in fiscal year 2023 and $97 million by fiscal year 2026. Municipalities can profit directly by pocketing an additional 3 percent sales tax, but some towns are taking a hard pass. The Planning and Zoning Commission in Prospect approved a resolution banning cannabis establishments in the town last week.

See also: Here Are A Few More Laws That Go Into Effect July 1 In CT

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Republicans in Hartford were critical of the majority party's implementation of the new legislation, calling it a "boondoggle" in a statement released Wednesday.

"It's abundantly clear that Democrats cared more about achieving commercialization than they did about the people who will have to figure out this mess, spending more time on their victory lap than the necessary outreach to employers and workers, law enforcement, municipalities and anyone else who has questions about what this means for them,” said House Republican Leader Vincent Candelora. "I’m still stunned by their light switch approach, that tomorrow marijuana will be ‘on,’ and that Democrats have failed to supply anyone with the answers they’ll need—whether it’s a lifeguard at a town beach, a group home administrator, or someone running a summer camp."

The new law does allow for grassroots appeal. If at least 10 percent of residents petition for it, the town must hold a public referendum, which will decide whether marijuana sales will be allowed there. This Thursday, Newtown will be holding a public hearing regarding banning cannabis retail operations there.

Counterintuitively, there will soon be fewer places in town to smoke or vape now that it's legal to smoke marijuana in Connecticut. As of Oct. 1, businesses may no longer set aside "smoking rooms" for tobacco fans, smoking will also be forbidden inside and within 25 feet of a doorway, working window, or air intake vent of most businesses. The law will also clear the air in college dorms, as well as on the campuses of schools and public buildings.