Connecticut has become the fourth American state to legalize the recreational use of cannabis this year. State residents aged 21 and above may keep up to 1.5 ounces of marijuana on their persons and 5 ounces in their homes or locked vehicles. Under the new law, certain prior marijuana-related convictions that took place between Jan. 1, 2000 and Oct. 1, 2021 will also be erased.
In a statement issued in late June, Connecticut governor Ted Lamott commented, “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.”
As reported by NBC Connecticut, before this bill was passed, it was stripped of an equity-based provision ensuring that people living in “certain geographic areas who were previously arrested or convicted for the sale, use, manufacture or cultivation of cannabis” could receive preferential statues when applying for marijuana business licenses.
Governor Lamont reportedly threatened to veto the bill unless this amendment was removed.
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