Connecticut Marijuana Legalization Proposal Hearings Are Open to Public

Recreational marijuana proposals will receive two public hearings in Connecticut. This is a first for the state. Representative Juan Candelaria has attempted for almost three years to get recreational marijuana legislation passed in the state.

Two General Assembly Committees are slated to hold public hearings regarding the proposals, according to WTNH 8 News.  The first hearing is scheduled for March 7. The inclusion of President Pro tem of the Senate, Martin Looney’s name on a bill has helped it gain attention.

Candelaria said, “Taking it away from the black market, from drug dealers that do have an incentive to entice our younger children to try marijuana or to try harder drugs.”

Connecticut already has the resources, from its medical marijuana program, that recreational marijuana will be grown and processed safely. If legislation passes in Connecticut, some believe that their recreational program could be up and running before Massachusetts’ is.

Republican Representative Melissa Ziobron is also on-board for legal recreational marijuana as she wrote a bill that mirrors Massachusetts’ plans.

Ziobron said, “It authorizes marijuana to be sold to folks who are 21 and older and also gives them the ability, 21 and older to also grow or cultivate marijuana in their home as well.”

Public Health Committee co-chair Jonathan Steinberg said, “We started because Massachusetts has been going down this path and because revenues continue to be an issue for us and it’s very attractive in that sense.”

The second hearing will be held on March 22.