HARTFORD, Conn. (WTIC Radio)—The Judiciary Committee has voted to pass the bill that would allow adult-use of cannabis in Connecticut, bringing the state one step closer to legalizing recreational marijuana.
Committee Chair State Representative Steven Stafstrom says the bill underwent many changes since the committee's public hearing and includes several committee recommendations.
Among the recommendations are provisions that involve job growth and protections, societal equity efforts, growing the plant at home for those in the medical program and several others.
The bill proposes, Stafstrom said, "that the revenue generated from the sale of cannabis be spent 55% on social equity efforts, 15% to grants for prevention and recovery services, and 30% to the general fund to cover administrative costs."
The vote did not come without debate during the committee's meeting Tuesday with many members who opposed the bill stating that there were still too many unanswered questions about important details.
"As this bill stands, I cannot support it," State Senator Dan Champagne said, "I have way too many questions and way too many problems with different parts of this."
Several members brought up concerns about details concerning DUI testing of cannabis, the minimum age for cannabis use, protections against secondhand smoke, efforts to protect kids from marijuana, and the funds surrounding the industry, among others.
State Representative Craig Fishbein said he could not support the bill because it did not align with federal law which still classifies marijuana as an illegal substance.
The bill will most likely see many more changes and revisions as it goes through the legislative process, Stafstrom said. Moving forward, he said the state is looking to align its legalization efforts with neighboring states.
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