Connecticut Lawmaker Says Marijuana Legalization Could Be Revived

Supporters for legal recreational marijuana in Connecticut say that all hope isn’t lost just yet. With neighboring states having already legalized recreational marijuana and others considering the same, Connecticut advocates plan to continue to press forward. Rhode Island may legalize and implement recreational marijuana legalization before Massachusetts sales begin in mid-2018.

Connecticut’s General Assembly failed a recent legalization bill, according to Hartford Courant. One lawmaker says that the legalization efforts in Connecticut may be revived. A few top lawmakers say that the state doesn’t have the necessary votes to pass legalization bills this year.

The state’s $1.7-billion budget deficit might change some of their minds. Top Senate Democrat Martin Looney has faith that the bill will be revived, “should there be a revenue gap that needs to be addressed…in crunch time of our budget negotiations.” To fill those gaps, Looney stated that people take a second look at things rejected the first time around.

Sam Tracy of Marijuana Policy Project and the Connecticut Coalition to Regulate Marijuana agrees with Looney.

Regarding legalization in neighboring states putting pressure on Connecticut to legalize, Looney said, “Absolutely it will.”

He’s also aware of the potential for Connecticut residents to cross state lines to purchase marijuana in legal states.

Which New England state does Sam Tracy believe is the next to legalize? Rhode Island.

Tracy said, “It does seem to have broader support in Rhode Island. It’s never a sure thing, but if anyone’s going to do it soon, it’s going to be Rhode Island.”

Connecticut advocates plan to continue their support of legalization with hopes that recently opposed lawmakers will take a second look at passing recreational marijuana legalization.