HARTFORD, Conn. (WCBS 880) — The state Senate in Connecticut has voted in favor of legalizing recreational marijuana, sending the bill back to the House of Representatives, where the clock is ticking to approve the measure before a Wednesday deadline.
The bill passed the Senate in a 19-17 vote that came down at 2 a.m. Tuesday.
It could be just as close in the House, where it's not even clear if there will be enough time for a vote.
Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff, a Democrat from Norwalk, said regulating and taxing the sale of legal cannabis was a better option than ignoring the black market.
"The product is here, but it's not here the way in which we want. It is around us in other states, so the question is, how are we going to control our destiny here in the state of Connecticut?" Duff said.
Senate Republican Leader Kevin Kelly of Stratford was among those who voted "no."
"I don't believe this year that this issue was framed in the context of whether or not marijuana is a good social policy, that this is something that our communities and our children should aspire to. No, instead, it's been largely discussed in the context of revenue. It was placed in the governor's budget and from there, the conversation ensued," Kelly said.
The bill would allow use by residents 21 and up, and allows for growing up to 12 plants per home.
Retail sale of cannabis is expected to begin in May of next year.
Towns could zone out retail sales and there is a provision to place those impacted by the "War on Drugs" at the head of the line for the right to sell.
Gov. Ned Lamont commended the Senate for approving the bill and said he looks forward to the House securing passage of the measure so he can sign it.
"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," Lamont said. "That's why I introduced a bill and worked hard with our partners in the legislature to create a comprehensive framework for a securely regulated market that prioritizes public health, public safety, social justice, and equity. It will help eliminate the dangerous, unregulated market and support a new growing sector of our economy, which will lead to jobs and growth."
Eighteen other states, including neighboring Massachusetts and New York, have already legalized recreational pot.