HARTFORD, Conn. (1010 WINS) — The Connecticut Senate on Thursday approved a compromise bill that would legalize the recreational use of marijuana for adults in the state.
The bill passed with a 16-11 vote and now moves on to Gov.
Ned Lamont.
Lamont, a Democrat, helped craft the original bill and gave preference to people in communities who suffered disproportionately from police enforcement of drug laws. They would have gotten first shot at a license to grow or sell.
The Senate, in its first vote last week, had amended that provision to expand eligibility to people with a marijuana arrest record.
Lamont opposed the amendment, saying he was concerned the Senate’s change could open eligibility to many more people, including wealthy investors. He then threatened that he would not sign the legislation.
A vote in the House removed the amendment and sent the legislation back to the Senate on Wednesday. Thursday marked the second time the upper chamber had approved the bill.
Gov. Lamont is expected to sign the amended legislation, which would establish Connecticut at the 18th state in the country to legalize recreational marijuana.
“It’s fitting that the bill legalizing the adult use of cannabis and addressing the injustices caused by the war of drugs received final passage today, on the 50-year anniversary of President Nixon declaring war,” Lamont said in a statement. “The war on cannabis, which was at its core a war on people in Black and Brown communities, not only caused injustices and increased disparities in our state, it did little to protect public health and safety.”
He added: “I look forward to signing the bill and moving beyond this terrible period of incarceration and injustice.”
Under the legislation, the marijuana retail industry in Connecticut could be up and running as soon as spring of 2022.
The bill also makes it legal for adults over the age of 21 to possess small amounts of marijuana starting on July 1.