An award-winning freelance reporter/host for WSHU, Brian lives in southeastern Connecticut and covers stories for WSHU across the Eastern side of the state. Updated: Nov 11, 2022 / 07:34 AM EST. As of July 1, 2021, adult-use ("recreational") cannabis is legal in Connecticut. Please visit PotGuides Connecticut. Two more medical marijuana dispensaries, in Danbury and Torrington, are expected to begin serving recreational cannabis customers soon. There are three different taxes on cannabis products in Connecticut. Michel, the state representative, said recreational sales beginning was just the beginning. In-store purchases only. 888 would legalize possession up to one . FAQs Is marijuana legal in Connecticut? community-supported public media service, Connecticut Public has relied on donor support for more than 50 years. to learn more about the petition process. Dispensary facilities that have been approved by the Department and that have converted to hybrid retailers may open to the general public and commence adult use cannabis sales at a date to be published on the Department's website. On April 22, 2022: Application of the Durham Planning and Zoning Commission for a Text Amendment for Section 14.7 of the Durham Zoning Regulations to allow Cannabis Establishments by Special Permit in Certain Zones with specific standards and conditions. Norwich is openly welcoming the industry. Thepolicies and proceduresrelated to Public Act 21-1,An Act Concerning Responsible And Equitable Regulation Of Adult-Use Cannabis,are available ateRegulations.ct.gov. State officials announced Friday that licensed hybrid retailers may begin selling cannabis products to all adults 21 and older starting on Jan. 10, 2023. These provisions are meant to help counteract decades of disproportionate arrests and prosecutions of Black people and others from communities of color. Mid-2022: The first recreational dispensaries are expected to open in Connecticut. Woodstock's moratorium has been extended until April 2023. passed legal recreational cannabis in Connecticut. The DCP will hold two lotteries for each license type: a social equity lottery and a general lottery. . The medical marijuana program isn't going anywhere at this time. Consumers are encouraged to check out offerings on store websites, if they have them, ahead of visiting the stores. The law was amended by Public Act 22-103, An Act Concerning Cannabis, in May 2022. If you do want to logout, please click "Logout". In July 2021, the state decriminalized cannabis, allowing adults to possess 1.5 ounces legally and up to five ounces in a locked container at home. . It states that possession of cannabis among adults age 21 and over will be legal in Connecticut beginning July 1, 2021. It's bringing this from the black market to a legal market that can be regulated, monitored, and that's creating tax generation.. Possession of 1.5 oz of cannabis is now legal, and sales have started at licensed retailers. 1 oz of flower is considered equal to 5g of concentrate. by Erica E. Phillips December 9,. However, the zoning commission will consider an amendment to further restrict where retailers can be located. Baked goods are often popular. Updated: Sep 13, 2022 / 03:31 AM EDT. Hamden's moratorium was extended by three months in November 2022. Cannabis dispensaries and production facilities are banned. Even then, not all towns in Connecticut have approved dispensaries opening within their borders. Neighbors packed . Transaction limits will be reviewed over time. . Please read the articles below for more details, and check back regularly for updates. Marijuana has been legal in CT for a year, but still not for sale: 'They still have a lot to do' Ken Dixon July 1, 2022 4 A full year into Connecticut's legalization of adult-use cannabis, the state has yet to reap a single tax dollar from sales of recreational marijuana. The policies and procedures related to the home grow provisions of the medical marijuana program are also available at eRegulations.ct.gov. Glastonbury's moratorium, which became effective in September 2021, is set to expire on March 1, 2023. Connecticut has legalized it but recreational dispensaries aren't yet open. Connecticut legalized adult-use cannabis last year, but it's still unclear when. Ned Lamont signed legislation making Connecticut the latest state to legalize retail sales. 2012: Connecticut becomes the 17th state to allow medical use of marijuana. Medical & Recreational. MAP: Medical retailers approved to sell recreational marijuana in Connecticut by CT Mirror Data December 9, 2022 @ 9:54 am Regulators said last week that approved Connecticut marijuana. While transporting, the cannabis needs to be stored in a locked glovebox or the trunk. Connecticut Public. Since October 1, 2021, medical marijuana patients have been able to cultivate a maximum of 12 plants per household, including 3 mature plants and 3 immature plants. Learn more about what's in effect now. A CT bill would expand it. The state will not begin issuing permits for recreational marijuana retailers until 2022, but businesses could still try to apply beforehand to open a dispensary in Danbury, Calitro said. By Ayah Galal Published : Dec. 29, 2022 at 3:18 PM EST | Updated : Dec. 29, 2022 at 7:19 . Copyright 2023 NBCUniversal Media, LLC. We will be putting together a draft ordinance that, if adopted, will ban smoking cannabis in public spaces. Capsules, pills and tablets are also not allowed. New information regarding the moratorium is not immediately available. Rino Ferrarese, executive vice president of Verano Holdings North Region, is photographed in a propagation room where Lemon Cherry Gelato cannabis plants are developing roots at the CTPharma cultivation facility in Rocky Hill, Connecticut, on December 13, 2022. . Recreational marijuana is already sold in Massachusetts. Joe Amon. To qualify as a caregiver, you must be: If the qualifying patient lacks legal capacity, you must be the patients parent, guardian or other person having legal custody of the patient. Only a handful of dispensaries will launch initially, and there are limits on how much cannabis customers can buy at one time. Medical marijuana patients 18 years old and older will be able to grow up to 3 mature and 3 immature plants at home starting October 1, 2021, with a cap of 12 total plants per household. All adults over age 21 will be able to grow under the same rules starting July 1, 2023. The recreational cannabis market in Connecticut is anticipated to open in the spring of 2022, according to MJBizDaily. On Tuesday, yes. state legalized recreational marijuana and opened the door to pot sales in Connecticut by the end of 2022. . The town is taking a "wait and see" approach to cannabis retail. The town has delayed discussion pertaining to cannabis establishments. 02/28/2022 04:30 AM EST. Stores accept cash and debit cards. However, due to high demand, the state Department of Consumer Protection warned that it may be a challenge, especially shortly after initial openings. For years, state officials wrestled with the idea of creating a retail cannabis industry, first starting with a medical marijuana program. Cannabis establishmets are permitted by Special Exception Application. A plan to allow recreational cannabis dispensaries and production facilities has been endorsed by the Common Council's zoning subcommittee. Yes, you can petition the Commissioner of Consumer Protection via its Board of Physicians. Some other communities have put a moratorium on the decision and will wait to see how it goes before they make their decision. And, especially early on, expect longer lines and perhaps traffic in the area. New Fairfield's moratorium, which became effective in November 2021, was set to last for one year. The vote came the day before recreational cannabis sales began in the state. Various taxes include the 6.35 percent state sales tax, plus 3 percent taxes for locations that host cannabis businesses and a sliding scale of addition levies based on potency of THC levels of 10 to 15 percent. Since the Connecticut legislature passed legal recreational cannabis in Connecticut in 2021, cities and towns across the state have been making decisions on how they will handle the new law. Dispensaries for medical cannabis have been open since of 2014. Smith said that the $3 million needed to become a cultivator is an incredibly high amount, necessitating a well-funded financial, likely corporate, backer. Nine medical marijuana operators have successfully completed the steps needed to expand their businesses to include the new market for adults 21 and over. An early version of Norwalks cannabis ordinance will require recreational marijuana businesses to be at least 1,000 feet from schools, youth services facilities and rehab centers. Taxes for recreational cannabis are about 20 percent, including the 6.35 percent regular sales tax. Planning and development unanimously approved a moratorium on adult-use cannabis sales on Nov. 24, 2021. Sign up to receive our newsletter and alerts direct to your inbox. Groton's ban became effective in November 2021. That's a lot of people but I still don't think it's enough. Consumer Protection Reminds Adults 21+ Who Purchase Cannabis to Use Products Responsibly, Adult-Use Cannabis and Medical Marijuana Sales Surpass $13.3 million in January. They cannot be in the shape of an animal or in a shape that children may find appealing. The law was amended by Public Act 22-103, An Act Concerning Cannabis, in May 2022. HARTFORD The Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection has notified licensed hybrid retailers that they may begin selling cannabis products to all adults 21 and over beginning no earlier than 10 a.m., or as local zoning permits, on Tuesday, January 10, 2023. Stands. Residents over the age of 21 can legally possess and consume marijuana. No, patients under the age of 18 are allowed to qualify through one of the approved medical conditions listed above. Ned Lamont signed the bill it into law. New York, New Jersey and Connecticut with a . Stores have installed kiosks so that orders can be made online and 'budtenders' can help answers questions and help with the checkout process. Regulations around retail cannabis establishments were last decided by the town on July 19, 2022. However, a physician can recommend a lower or higher dosage that the DCP must approve. No, there is no medical marijuana reciprocity in Connecticut. New Jersey began retail sales on April 21 after the state's medical marijuana dispensaries converted to hybrid licenses. The state is now considering applications for retail outlets and have made a focused effort to invite people from minority communities called social equity candidates to apply for a recreational cannabis retail license. Connecticut, on the other hand, has emphasized the social equity aspects of the new industry. The Curaleaf Hartford site opened . Retail dispensaries are expected to open mid-2022, but are not currently open at this time. Connecticut Medical Marijuana Dispensary wpengine 2022-11-08T06:52:58-05:00. Open now Order online. Visit the DCP websiteto learn more about the petition process. State Representative David Michel, D-Stamford, was at Fine Fettle for opening day. With legislative approval, officials have spent two years crafting rules and regulations for the industry and for consumption. All adults will be able to grow under the same rules starting July 1, 2023. According to the Hartford Courant, because this new legal pot law is unchartered territory for all of Connecticut's towns and cities, officials will be conducting extensive discussions about zoning regulations to limit where these dispensaries can be. The planning and zoning commission will likely take the issue up formally in 2022, Jeremy Ginsberg, director of land use said. The department said that all existing medical marijuana producers have met the requirements for an expanded license that allows them to supply both the adult-use cannabis and medical marijuana markets. Last meeting about cannabis on May 10 - no decision was reached yet. And while the state Department of Economic and Community Development has a seat on the Social Equity Council, the agency is making investments in large corporate cannabis operations, Ward said. Dec. 9, 2022 update: The state has announced that recreational weed sales will begin Jan. 10, 2023. In the same vain, only white-colored packaging is allowed nothing flashy and specific warning labels are required. On June 22, 2021, Governor Lamont signed Senate Bill 1201 that legalized recreational cannabis. Connecticut's first round of retail cannabis sales for adults 21 and older began Tuesday at seven existing medical marijuana establishments across the state, less than two years after Gov. State officials are still setting up the legal system for. Medical marijuana patients can grow up to three mature and three immature plants. I am proud of the hard work our team has done to meet the goal of opening adult-use sales in a safe, well-regulated market, DCP Commissioner Michelle Seagull said in a statement. With roughly 53,000 registered medical marijuana patients, MMJ sales in Connecticut were projected to be as high as $210 million in 2022. After months of back-and-forth debate, the Planning and Zoning Commission voted 4-2 to prohibit recreational cannabis retailers from opening in town. I think that we should have broadened the criteria for expungement by far.. Nine of Connecticut's existing medical marijuana retailers will be able to sell to recreational marijuana beginning Jan. 10, the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection said on Friday. Or any combination up to 7 total grams, which equals 1/4 ounce. Registered medical marijuana patients are allowed to consume cannabis in their own homes or on private property. A Connecticut native and Stamford High School graduate, Ken graduated with a journalism degree from Ohio University, where he was also most-valuable player on its soccer team. The initiative is expected to generate $250 million in sales in the first year and $750 million by the fourth year. While we hope there will be no disruption or inconvenience to patients, it is always best to be prepared, DCP Commissioner Michelle H. Seagull said in a statement. New York is still developing its adult-sales regulations, while Rhode Islands new law was signed in May, with sales scheduled to begin as soon as December 1. CT recreational pot sales will start within months, regulators say Sale of recreational marijuana in CT depends on all four existing medical marijuana producers or additional cultivation to. It is illegal to consume medical marijuana in any public place in Connecticut. Fairfield's moratorium, which becomes effective in February, is set to last for one year. A worker displayed fresh cannabis flower buds, in a 2019 file photo. The department said it has notified licensed hybrid retailers that they will be allowed to begin selling cannabis products to all adults 21 and over beginning no earlier than 10 a.m., or as local zoning permits, on Tuesday, Jan. 10. Other stores are expected to open later this year, although it's unclear where and which stories will be among the first to come on line. New information regarding the moratorium is not immediately available. That means while state officials hope to launch retail sales by the end of 2022, they have not yet set an exact date. Medical. He reported on suburban communities and Bridgeport City Hall, then in 1994 began covering the State Capitol and state government. Insa currently operates three recreational . Lawmakers approved the Connecticut recreational cannabis market in June 2021. Lawmakers approved the Connecticut recreational cannabis market in June 2021. Westport's ban excludes medical dispensaries. They are Still River Wellness in Torrington, which is working on the expansion ofits store, and The Botanist in Danbury, which is still working through local regulatory approval. Recreational Marijuana. Of the 20 percent, 3 percent is also a local tax that goes to the city or town where the sale occurs. PublishedJanuary 10, 2023 at 4:41 PM EST. Like alcohol sales, consumers will need to present a government ID proving they are 21 or older. Cannabis Jobs & Marijuana Career Services, New Study Looks Into Cannabis Treatment for Parkinsons Disease, Neil Youngs Honesty About Cannabis Use Could Keep Him From Becoming An American Citizen, Marijuana on the Ballot: These States May Legalize Recreational Marijuana, Thailand Legal Medical Marijuana A First For Southeast Asia, Cannabis Workouts: More People Choosing to Exercise While High, Cannabis Not a Gateway Drug, New Study Finds, Another Study Finds Connection Between Legal Cannabis and Reduced Opioid Use, How High Can You Get? If you do want to logout, please click "Logout". CT proposal causes confusion, concern. We hope their support inspires you to donate so that we can continue telling stories that inform, educate, and inspire you and your neighbors. I think its been fairly smooth and efficient in Connecticut so far, but theres no firm date yet for retail, Smith said in a phone interview. Previously, medical patients were required to designate a single dispensary for purchasing, however that requirement was removed October 1, 2021. Preston has drafted new zoning regulations pertaining to cannabis dispensaries and production facilties. For instance, all edibles have to be spherical or in the shape of a cuboid. Nine dispensaries in Connecticut opened their doors Tuesday to make the first sales of recreational marijuana to adults aged 21 or older. A standard-sized brownie or cookie can be the equivalent of .08 grams of cannabis flower. Sales will be limited to 1/4 ounce of cannabis flower, or its equivalent, per transaction when the market opens. The state of Connecticut has quietly put together a recreational cannabis market where retail sales could begin before the end of 2022. After briefly considering a six-month moratorium, the Zoning Commission voted unanimously in late March to allow recreational marijuana sales and cannabis production facilities within the town limits. Dispensaries are getting ready to welcome more customers . Patients must become qualified by a Connecticut-licensed physician who recommends medical cannabis to treat one or more state-approved qualifying conditions. Qualified patients can possess up to 3 ounces per month. The Planning and Zoning Commission voted unanimously to adopt zoning regulations that would permit cannabis retailers and cultivators to operate in certain zones. In CT its pick between these 4 eighths. Review public documents and statistics related to the adult-use cannabis program. Insa CT currently has a business address of 35 Center St., Chicopee, Mass., but this will be the Massachusetts company's first endeavor in Connecticut. The first day of recreational sales came just over a week after Lamont erased more than 40,000 cannabis convictions. The town's Planning and Zoning Committee is working on this. The Northeast is poised to transform the U.S. cannabis industry and make New York City the nation's weed capital. Curaleaf Hartford, located at 92 Weston St, is the Company's second dispensary to serve adult-use consumers in Connecticut and the first dispensary in the capital city to offer adult-use products . Growth operations will be allowed in Industrial Districts with some specific standards. Prior to that he worked as city editor of the Record-Journal and a reporter before that covering his hometown of Meriden. Ned. Is CT recycling going into the trash? Give today at any amount and join the 50,000 members who are License information. Home Grow Possession Key Dates. Directions. We expect adult use sales to commence around the end of 2022.. Cannabis sales to adults in Connecticut can begin next week, according to the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection. CT proposal causes confusion, concern, RISE, formerly known as Bluepoint Wellness of Connecticut, Branford, Zen Leaf, formerly known as Willow Brook Wellness, Meriden. Patients who can make purchases ahead of time, or have their medicine delivered, are advised to do so. Planning and Zoning Commission amended regulations to allow for cannabis establishments. Where does the industry stand? Molly is a reporter covering Fairfield County. Edibles vary by size, but they cannot exceed 5 milligrams of THC, according to state regulation. Coventry officials are continuing to debate regulations regarding cannabis establishments. The state of Connecticut has quietly put together a recreational cannabis market where retail sales could begin before the end of 2022. HUSKY Health is helping immigrants. Ginny Monk [email protected] @GinnyMonk, Julia Bergman [email protected] @JuliaSBergman, Lindsay Boyle [email protected] @LindsayABoyle, Mike Pignataro [email protected], Andrew DaRosa [email protected] @AndyDaRosa17, Derek Turner [email protected] @DTurnerMedia. The following video from WFSB 3 digs deeper into the story of recreational cannabis in . DeVaughn Ward, senior legislative counsel for the Marijuana Policy Project, said Thursday that overall, hes disappointed with Connecticuts program, including secret lotteries while allowing existing medical marijuana operators to get a leg up in the adult-retail realm. Many of those medical marijuana dispensaries will open for business as retail-medical hybrids on Tuesday the first day retail sales can legally happen. Despite opposition from some residents, the town planning and zoning commission voted to amend zoning rules to allow recreational marijuana stores and cultivation facilities in certain parts of town. . Connecticut has one of the best equity programs, with half of the licenses going to those applicants. Nine dispensaries in Connecticut opened their doors Tuesday to make the first sales of recreational marijuana to adults aged 21 or older. Connecticut legalized recreational cannabis in 2021, but you won't be able to find dispensaries in the state yet, and probably won't until early next year when recreational cannabis sales are officially launched. The town does not currently have a moratorium or a ban, the town's land use coordinator said. Ten to 15 percent of the tax is based on the THC content of the product. I think Connecticut is doing everything they can by legalizing, providing a great medical program and safe access for adult-use cannabis as well, Ravelson said. Wilton's moratorium has been extended until Oct. 29, 2023. Waterford Planning and Zoning Commission voted in favor of banning the sale of recreational cannabis in town. BRISTOL, Conn. (WTNH) - The city of Bristol is preparing plans for recreational marijuana sales but not all residents are happy about it. NFL Combine 40-Yard Dash: Who Had the Fastest Time in 2023? That decision could be changed once more is known about the industry in town. And the fact is, cannabis has always been there, and it's here to stay.. Bristol has adopted a similar policy. In November of 2021, the East Hartford Planning & Zoning Commission approved zoning regulations pertaining to retail sales and production of cannabis. Some people say that cannabis workouts led to better results because they can increase their focus and their ability to isolate the muscles that get the most work. Initially, those stores can provide delivery if they so choose. A February 2023 meeting is scheduled to look at a proposal for new zoning regulations. Learn more about adult-use cannabis in Connecticut here. Each city and town was given the opportunity to decide whether to approve or prohibit establishments from opening in their community. ", "We're in a state where education is very linked to property tax," he said. Watch Live at 7:00 PM: The U.S. and the Holocaust, a film by Ken Burns | Screening & Panel Discussion . Check locally before consuming in public. This is a carousel. In February of 2021 Gov. 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