Connecticut Gov. Considering Cannabis Legalization Plan 

Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont (D) has started discussing legislation with state agencies to set up an adult-use cannabis system, the Hartford Courant reports. Joining other states who are taking on cannabis reform via the legislative process, the governor has requested agency feedback on a bill that would tax flower at $1.25 a gram, “trimmed” plants at $0.50 a gram, and unprocessed, or “wet,” cannabis at $0.28 a gram.

Additionally, the governor is asking lawmakers to erase cannabis convictions prior to October 1, 2015. People convicted after that date would have the ability to “petition” the state to have their convictions overturned.

“I am working with our neighboring states and look forward to working with our tribal partners on a path forward to modernize gaming in our state, as well as the legislature on legalization of marijuana. Sports betting, internet gaming, and legalized marijuana are happening all around us. Let’s not surrender these opportunities to out-of-state markets or even worse, underground markets.” — Gov. Lamont, via the Courant

The draft legislation would also ban cannabis advertisements that could be considered attractive to children, call for hiring more “drug recognition experts” in state agencies and police, and regulate indoor cannabis smoking and vaping.

Last year, SB 16, which included various social equity provisions, was introduced in the Connecticut legislature but failed to pass.

This year, state Rep. Jonathan Steinberg told the Courant, “I think it has extremely stronger prospects than it had in recent years.”