New Bill Could Legalize Recreational Marijuana in Connecticut

Senate Bill 11 (SB11) was introduced to the Connecticut Senate for consideration. It would help rid federal prohibition within state borders. It’s almost an exact copy of Colorado’s marijuana industry tax and regulatory structure. If SB11 passes, it would be the first marijuana bill to pass using state legislature process rather than by voter approval.

Colorado’s tax structure is rather simple, according to Tenth Amendment Center. A 2.9-percent sales tax on both medical and recreational marijuana would be in place. In addition, a 10-percent special retail marijuana sales tax and a 15-percent marijuana excise tax.

Senator Martin Looney said, “I would urge us to adopt that broad based legalization and also have a tax structure similar to Colorado which generates significant revenue for the state General Fund.”

Part of the legislation reads: That the general statutes be amended to permit the retail sale of marijuana, tax such sale in the same manner as the State of Colorado and provide that revenue from such taxation goes to the General Fund.

The next step for SB11 is passing the Joint Committee before the full Senate is able to consider it.