Lawmakers in Connecticut have introduced the first cannabis legalization bill of the year, according to a Hartford Courant report.
The bill is co-sponsored by more than 40 state Democratic legislators. Connecticut has failed to pass all previous legalization attempts; with widespread legislative and gubernatorial support, however, this year seems likely to be a banner year for cannabis reforms in the state.
The bill would provide for legal sales to all people over 21. The existing medical cannabis program is regulated by the Department of Consumer Protection; the proposed legal marketplace would also be overseen by that department. Companies already holding medical cannabis licenses would be given priority for the new adult-use cannabis licenses.
The bill also contains provisions for the expungement of prior cannabis convictions. The bill would also allow home delivery and the home-growing of up to six cannabis plants.
Intoxicated driving laws would be amended with a provision making it illegal for anyone with more than 5 nanograms of THC per milliliter of blood to operate a vehicle; public consumption would also be illegal.
While there is strong Democratic control of the Connecticut state Assembly and a governor with a favorable stance, the bill’s passage is not yet guaranteed.
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