Recreational Marijuana

Gov. Lamont Signs CT Recreational Marijuana Bill Into Law

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After more than eight years of debate, Connecticut has legalized recreational marijuana.

The bill that Governor Ned Lamont just signed legalizes recreational marijuana for anyone over the age of 21 beginning next Thursday, July 1.

“It’s been a long time coming,” Lamont said.

An adult can have up to one and a half ounces of marijuana on them and can have an additional five ounces in a secured home or vehicle.

Many states that are legalizing marijuana have plans to help communities hurt by the war on drugs and create a legal weed industry reflective of those communities. But there needs to be more than "magical thinking" from regulators to get those businesses started, says Smoke Wallin, a board member of the U.S. Hemp Roundtable.

The retail sale of recreational marijuana in Connecticut would begin as early as July 2022.

A bill that Governor Ned Lamont plans on signing today legalizes recreational marijuana for anyone over the age of 21 beginning next Thursday, July 1.
NBC Connecticut's Christine Stuart discusses the legal questions surrounding legalizing recreational marijuana in Connecticut.

Lamont said he thinks there's a real emphasis on equity in the bill and said he believes lawmakers got it right.

"People have been working on this for 10 years. It’s been a long time coming. I think we have a good bill that puts public health first," Lamont said.

Sen. Gary Winfield joins this week's Face the Facts to discuss legalizing recreational marijuana in Connecticut.

While opponents have been unsuccessful at blocking the legislation, at least one town in Connecticut has found a way to limit its impact.

Prospect's Planning and Zoning Commission voted to ban any business that grows or sells marijuana for their town.

With Connecticut on the verge of legalizing recreational marijuana for adults, town officials in Prospect approved banning it in their town.

“My personal fear is that a person could give it to a younger person under 21 and I’m very concerned about DWI starting all over again,” said Prospect Mayor Robert Chatfield.

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