Lamont Plans to Legalize Marijuana to Fix State’s Budget

Ned Lamont, a prominent Democrat, says that revenue from legalizing marijuana could aid a package to help the state’s budget issues. His package also includes adding tolls, revenues from sports betting and union concessions. Connecticut faces a $2 billion budget deficit in the upcoming fiscal year.

Just legalizing marijuana and revenues from sports betting could bring between $150 million and $200 million annually to the state, according to the Hartford Courant. Lamont is attempting to follow suit of neighboring states. He doesn’t want to see Connecticut missing out on potential revenue.

Lamont said, “The train is leaving the station.”

Connecticut’s Legislature, however, isn’t quite on the same page with marijuana legalization. If Lamont is elected, he will begin his push for these changes.

He said, “If I will, I’ll have the wind at my back. I’ll say we have a budget crisis, and more importantly, Massachusetts legalized [marijuana], and they’re driving across the border. I’ll regulate it. I’ll be careful in terms of quality or potency. I think we know what we’re doing. It’s better than having the black market control that.’’