In sum, the new cannabis marketplace:
- Legalizes Adult-Use
- Permits the use and possession of recreational cannabis for people 21+ beginning July 1, 2021.
- No more than 1.5 ounces of cannabis on a person and as much as 5 ounces in-home or locked in a car trunk or glove box.
- Retail sales are expected to begin around summer 2022.
- Any individual 21+ will be permitted to grow up to six cannabis plants (three mature, three immature) in their home beginning July 1, 2023.
- Focuses on Equity
- Communities of color have been disproportionately devastated by the War on Drugs and this legislation ensures Connecticut rights those wrongs through an equity fund, criminal justice reforms and economic opportunities.
- The bill erases convictions related to possession of less than 4 oz. of marijuana, for offenses occurring between 2015 – 2021 and erases convictions related to possession of any amount of marijuana for offenses occurring between 2000-2015.
- Invests in Public Health and Prevention
- In addition to the equity fund, this legislation directs money to prevention efforts and mental health and addiction services.
- Only 15% of revenues will go into the General Fund.
- Addresses Public Safety
- Establishes a multi-level system to train police officers to recognize impaired driving and keep roads safe.
- All officers will be trained to the Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement level, and enough will be trained to the Drug Recognition Expert level to recognize impairment.
- Listens to the Voters' Wants
- Polls show CT residents overwhelmingly support legalized adult-use.
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