Connecticut lawmakers are expected to take a vote on marijuana legalization this week after years of debate, and the 297-page measure they will consider is a sweeping package that establishes the framework for the new marijuana market, creates an option to erase past criminal convictions and seeks to allow those most harmed from cannabis prohibition to profit from the new industry.
Marijuana possession would become legal July 1
One of the first provisions of the bill to take effect would be the actual legalization of cannabis on July 1 for adults 21 and up. Individuals will be allowed to have no more than 1.5 ounces of marijuana on their person and as much as 5 ounces in their home or locked in their car’s trunk or glove box. Those ages 18-20 in possession of less than 5 ounces of marijuana would face a small fine for their first offense and those younger than 18 would receive a written warning and a referral to youth services.
Past criminal convictions for marijuana would be erased
The legislation allows individuals with past convictions for marijuana offenses to have those convictions erased. According to the legislation, anyone convicted of possessing four ounces or less of cannabis from between Jan. 1, 2000, and Sept. 30, 2015, would automatically have their record wiped clean. Those convicted before Jan. 1, 2000, or from Oct. 15, 2015 through June 30, 2021, could petition a court to have their record erased. The automatic erasures would take effect Jan. 1, 2023, and petitions to have records erased could be filed beginning July 1, 2022.
Home grow is OK beginning in 2023
Any individual 21 and older can grow up to six cannabis plants in their home beginning on July 1, 2023. The bill limits the number of plants that can be grown in a single household to 12.
Police can’t stop and search a person or vehicle for cannabis odor
With possession of marijuana legalized, police could no longer use the smell of cannabis or burnt cannabis as the basis to justify a search or motor vehicle stop. But the bill does allow police to test a driver for marijuana impairment if they smell cannabis. Another provision of the bill calls for police officers to receive additional training in drug recognition techniques.
‘Equity applicants’ would have preference for marijuana business licenses
In an effort to help communities most harmed by the war on drugs, so-called social equity applicants would have preference to operate marijuana businesses, with half the licenses reserved for those applicants. The bill defines “social equity applicants” as businesses that would be primarily owned by those whose average household income is less than 300% the state median over the past three years and who grew up in, or have recently lived in, communities with an unemployment rate higher than 10% or a conviction rate for drug-related offenses of more than 10%. Those applicants would also get a discount on licensing fees.
Towns could say no to marijuana…
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