stub The Legalization of Cannabis in Connecticut - MyCannabis.com
Connect with us

State Regulations

The Legalization of Cannabis in Connecticut

mm
Updated on

Cannabis is legal in Connecticut for both medical and recreational use. On June 1, 2012, Gov. Malloy signed the Public Act 12-55 into law which allowed patients with debilitating medical conditions to access the medical marijuana program in the state. Patients are allowed to plant up to six plants legally for medical use as long as only three are mature at a time. Connecticut medical marijuana patients have to register with the Department of Consumer Protection (DCP).

The qualifying medical conditions in the state of Connecticut for adult patients include:

  • Cancer
  • Glaucoma
  • HIV and AIDS
  • Parkinson's disease
  • Multiple Sclerosis
  • Intractable spasticity of the nervous system caused by nervous tissue damage to the spinal cord
  • Uncontrolled seizure disorder or epilepsy
  • Cachexia
  • Wasting syndrome
  • Crohn's disease
  • PTSD (Post-traumatic stress disorder)
  • Terminal illness that requires end-of-life care

In this state, cannabis is legal for both medical and recreational use.

Decriminalization (2011): Governor Daniel Malloy in June 2011 signed legislation decriminalizing cannabis possession following a close senate vote of 90–57 vote.

Legalization of Recreational cannabis (2021): Several bills seeking legalization had been tabled since 2018 but none had been successful. Efforts were renewed in 2021 culminating in the eventual signing of Senate Bill 1201 by Governor Lamont on June 22.2021 which passed with a very narrow margin.

The particulars of this bill were:

  • Possession of marijuana in the state of Connecticut among adults aged 21 and above will be legal starting July 1, 2021.
  • Adults will not be allowed to carry above 1+1⁄2 ounces (43 g) of marijuana on their person or not keep marijuana exceeding 5 ounces (140g) in their homes, locked the trunk of their cars, or in a glove box.
  • The cultivation, manufacture, and sale of cannabis (beside homegrown) would require state licensing.
  • Products that contain delta-9-THC, delta-8-THC, or delta-10-THC will be considered as being cannabis and therefore should only be sold by licensed retailers.
  • Non-state-licensed individuals may gift, but not sell cannabis.
  • Gifting should not be to another individual who has “paid for” or “donated” another product.
  • All adults aged 21 years and above will have permission to grow up to six marijuana plants indoors in their homes starting July 1, 2023.

The retail sales of marijuana in this state aim to start by the end of 2022. Though recreational cannabis is now legal in the state of Connecticut, the amounts are capped, and violating this is still considered to be illegal and punishable.

The penalties for possessing marijuana are reduced under Senate Bill 1014 to the following:

  • Adult possession of one-half Oz (14 g) of cannabis has been reduced from a criminal misdemeanor (punishable by a jail sentence and $1,000 fine) to a “non-criminal infraction”, which is punishable by a fine of $150 fine, no criminal record, and no jail time or arrest. Penalties for possession of marijuana paraphernalia were also reduced in a similar fashion.
  • Possessing 4 ounces (110 g) and more is still a felony that can be punished by 5 years' imprisonment or a $2,000 fine, or both.Subsequent offenses will earn one 10 years jail time as well as a $5,000 fine.
  • The Possessing marijuana with 1,500 feet (460 m) proximity to a school or selling to minors gets one 2 years in jail without consideration for a monetary fine.
  • The sale of any amount of cannabis is totally illegal and a felony that is punishable by a jail sentence not exceeding 7 years and fine of $25,000.

 

Lydia K. (Bsc. RN) is a cannabis writer, which, considering where you’re reading this, makes perfect sense. Currently, she is a regular writer for Mace Media. In the past, she has written for MyBud, RX Leaf & Dine Magazine (Canada), CBDShopy (UK) and Cannavalate & Pharmadiol (Australia). She is best known for writing epic news articles and medical pieces. Occasionally, she deviates from news and science and creates humorous articles. And boy doesn't she love that! She equally enjoys ice cream, as should all right-thinking people.