Roll One–Rep. Stallworth Joins Clergy Coalition Calling For Passage And Regulation Of Commercial Marijuana

State Rep. Charlie Stallworth on Tuesday joined a chorus of clergy members in the State Capitol backing legislation to legalize, regulate and tax cannabis for adults 21 and older.

“Much like alcohol prohibition in the 1920s, our efforts to deal with cannabis using law enforcement and the criminal justice system have been a total failure,” said Stallworth who was joined by more than one dozen clergy members at a news conference. “Regulation will free up resources so that police can focus on more serious crimes and will also help improve police/ community relationships. And, instead of continuing to fuel organized crime, the money spent on cannabis in our state can and should be used to help revitalize communities that have been disproportionately harmed by enforcement of laws against cannabis.”

Connecticut border states have either legalized cannabis or are on their way to it. Currently in Connecticut, it is decriminalized for small amounts and available for medical use.

Gov. Ned Lamont’s bill to end cannabis prohibition, backed by Democratic leadership in Hartford,  would allow adults 21 and older to possess and purchase up to one and a half ounces of cannabis from licensed retailers. For background on the bill see here.

The Connecticut Coalition To Regulate Marijuana is at the forefront of building momentum for the bill to tax and regulate marijuana similar to alcohol.

Legalizing the sale of marijuana lacked traction last legislative session because of some pushback from clergy. Supporters assert legalization would eliminate the widespread illicit use. While many states are going in this direction, some Connecticut lawmakers worry support could make them vulnerable in an election year, although a January 2020 GQR poll found that a strong majority (65%) of Connecticut residents support legalizing cannabis.

Under the bill tax revenue from the sale of marijuana would be invested to support residents in disproportionately impacted urban areas.

“Our group represents more than 100 congregations across the state,” said Rev. Tommie Jackson of Rehoboth Fellowship Church in Stamford. “There is a real need, and it is critically important to regulate cannabis in Connecticut during this legislative session. Connecticut needs to send a strong message that the public safety and public health of its residents is a top priority. Regulation will reduce prison sentences, fund much-needed services, and direct revenue to those communities most negatively impacted by the war on cannabis. It’s time to pass it.”

Some highlights of the bill:

Gov. Ned Lamont’s bill to end cannabis prohibition–Governor’s Bill No. 16–would replace the unregulated illicit market with a taxed and regulated system with licensed cultivators, retailers, manufacturers, and testing laboratories. It includes robust protections for public health and public safety along with a strong focus on social equity. This includes erasure of past marijuana possession convictions, reinvestment in communities decimated by the war on drugs, and fostering participation in the cannabis industry by individuals from impacted communities.

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Fostering Social Equity and Inclusion in the Cannabis Industry

— Creates a nine-member Cannabis Equity Commission charged with promoting the full participation in the industry by individuals from communities that have been disproportionately harmed by prohibition.
– Commission members will include two individuals with a background in civil rights or social justice, an individual appointed by the Black and Puerto Rican Caucus, and the commissioners of several state agencies.

— Promotes the licensing of equity applicants–individuals who lived five of the past 10 years in a disproportionately impacted census tract, who have a prior cannabis conviction, or whose parents do. Equity applicants will have expedited or priority licensing for each type of license and pay lower fees.
– The commission will establish a process to best ensure access to capital.

— The commission will also establish a micro-license for retail and delivery.

— Non-equity applicants must create and comply with approved plans to reinvest or provide employment and training opportunities in impacted areas.

— Licensees must establish and adhere to policies that encourage diversity for purposes of employment, contracting, and other professional opportunities.
– Each business must report annually on the diversity of its workforce.

— People with misdemeanor drug offenses–not including the use of force–cannot be banned from the cannabis industry.

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Redressing Harms Caused by Prohibition and Unequal Enforcement

— The commission’s recommendations to the legislature, which will be acted on before sales begin, must include “provid[ing] for the distribution of a portion of tax revenues to support residents in disproportionately impacted” areas.

— Provides for the erasure of convictions for possession of fewer than four ounces.