CT Police Unconcerned About Massachusetts Legalizing Marijuana

With Massachusetts legalizing recreational marijuana in November, some believe that it will affect Connecticut residents crossing state lines to purchase recreational marijuana. But some police departments in Connecticut say that the legal status of marijuana in Massachusetts won’t affect the way they perform their jobs.

Connecticut decriminalized possession of small amounts of marijuana in 2011, according to Norwich Bulletin. Residents only get a small fine of $150 for the first offense of carrying more than one-half ounce of marijuana. Fines for repeated offenses are between $200 and $500. Marijuana packaged for sale and large quantities is still a felony in Connecticut.

Plainfield Police Chief Michael Surprenant said, “Connecticut law doesn’t change with this new law. In our state, marijuana is still illegal. It’s an infraction in small amounts and more serious charges for larger amounts. States all have different laws and penalties – an assault in Connecticut could be an assault and battery in Rhode Island. But if someone goes across the Massachusetts border to buy marijuana and come back with it, that’s still illegal here.”

Putnam Police Chief Rick Hayes has kept a close eye on the new marijuana law change. Chief Hayes said, “I’m hoping it won’t change the way we operate, but there is the issue of a trickle-down effect being so close. People in Connecticut see it’s legal in Massachusetts and ask ‘Why not here?’ And that could lead to more people driving impaired back-and-forth over the border.”

Troop D Commander Lieutenant Tim Madden said, “We don’t see a lot of marijuana coming in and out of the state from the north. If something does change, we will reevaluate and adjust.”