Ned Gives Nod To Passage Of Pot

Statement from Governor Lamont:

Governor Ned Lamont today released the following statement regarding final approval in the Connecticut General Assembly of legislation legalizing adult-use cannabis in Connecticut:

“It’s fitting that the bill legalizing the adult use of cannabis and addressing the injustices caused by the war of drugs received final passage today, on the 50-year anniversary of President Nixon declaring the war. The war on cannabis, which was at its core a war on people in Black and Brown communities, not only caused injustices and increased disparities in our state, it did little to protect public health and safety. That’s why I introduced a bill and worked hard with our partners in the legislature and other stakeholders to create a comprehensive framework for a securely regulated market that prioritizes public health, public safety, social justice, and equity. It will help eliminate the dangerous unregulated market and support a new, growing sector of our economy which will create jobs.

“The states surrounding us already, or soon will, have legal adult-use markets. By allowing adults to possess cannabis, regulating its sale and content, training police officers in the latest techniques of detecting and preventing impaired driving, and expunging the criminal records of people with certain cannabis crimes, we’re not only effectively modernizing our laws and addressing inequities, we’re keeping Connecticut economically competitive with our neighboring states. Connecticut residents will benefit from the portion of cannabis revenues that will be dedicated to prevention and recovery services. This measure is comprehensive, protects our children and the most vulnerable in our communities, and will be viewed as a national model for regulating the adult-use cannabis marketplace.

“I look forward to signing the bill and moving beyond this terrible period of incarceration and injustice.”

The legislation is Senate Bill 1201. Governor Lamont will sign the bill when it is transmitted to his office.

0
Share

10 comments

  1. This is great news. Hopefully, The revenue will improve the quality of life for urban centers and pump money into our Schools and infrastructure. I am certain the Girl Scouts of America will make a killing selling cookies outside the retailers. Hopefully those jailed over the decades can have this taken off their record. Thank ou to all of our elected officials that supported this effort.Congrats to the Bridgeport delegation. My only concrn as a board member of a Condominium complex. How does one address the smoke of marijuana permeating the hallways?? Children breathing in second hand smoke and catching a buzz. I know we will be discussing at our next board meeting. Otherwise, Enjoy! Or don’t. I have always believed it was hypocritical to outlaw Marijuana while alcohol is much more dangerous as well as cigarettes.

    2+
    1. Bob Walsh- I do not think dementia is a topic that is to joked about. If you believe you had to comment and react to my comment as incoherent I question your mental capabilities. Totally support legalization- smoking too much weed. Not. But most likely will enjoy a recreational cupcake with a glass of milk after July 1st 🙂 Today you wouldn’t find a trace in my system. SAD I know.

      2+
  2. Thank you.
    Why don’t you and Stevie A begin working on immediately an amendment to this bill to address the aroma of weed in his condo complex. See if you can come up with some language to allot all of this money to buying Stevie A’s BOD some air freshener for his hallways.

    0
  3. While I support this measure it will never eliminate the unregulated market sales of marijuana. Medical marijuana is already more expensive than the street pot and adding a 3% municipal cannabis tax for municipalities, the 6.35% general sales tax rate also applies and a state cannabis tax on the sale of cannabis based upon the amount of THC per milligram of certain products will make it cost prohibitive for some people. Prior to the last tax which we have no way of knowing how much this would add to the price of marijuana the other two taxes add almost 10% on the product with taxes.
    I think the unregulated market sales of marijuana will be just fine because of Connecticut’s need to tax the hell out of its residents.

    1+
  4. Any guesses as to who will be the first to open a dispensary in Bridgeport?
    Name that ‘connected’ guy!!!!!! I’ll let you know if you’re right.
    It’s 420 time….. cheers!

    0
    1. I wonder if “It’s 420 time somewhere” will replace “It’s 5 o’clock somewhere” in the stoner/imbiber lexicon? Smoke ’em if you’ve got ’em.

      0

Leave a Reply