Marijuana Legalization in Connecticut Might Have to Wait Till 2018

The thought of legalized recreational marijuana in Connecticut was exciting at first, but now some lawmakers are saying that they don’t have enough support. Although there is still a glimmer of hope that an amendment will pass this year. Both the General Assembly and Judiciary Committee said that the votes to legalize don’t exist.

Senate Majority Leader Martin Looney is leading the fight for legalization, and he says his fight isn’t over according to Greenwich Patch.

Looney said, “At a time when our state budget is in need of new sources of revenue, I doubt this will be the final conversation on the topic.”

He also said, “I believe that Connecticut is ready for a rational, common-sense approach to the legalization and regulation of marijuana.”

A last minute effort this legislative session may happen. Several lawmakers say the state needs recreational marijuana revenue to help close the state’s huge budget gap. Governor Dannel Malloy says that it isn’t a priority for him right now.

If a last minute attempt to pass some type of legislation with the state’s budget is made and approved, the state could bring in roughly $83.4-million in revenue.