Bristol adopted rules and regulations on adult-use cannabis in the city on August 10, 2022. The first day of recreational sales came just over a week after Lamont erased more than 40,000 cannabis convictions. All rights reserved, licensed hybrid retailers that they will be allowed to begin selling cannabis products, Together We Grow': Businesses Prepare for Legal Recreational Cannabis Sales, Low-Level Cannabis Possession Convictions Are Set to Be Cleared for Thousands in CT. NFL Combine 40-Yard Dash: Who Had the Fastest Time in 2023? But the legislation still lets local communities use zoning . The moratorium would give the Planning and Zoning Commission time to establish regulations. This news story is funded in large part by Connecticut Publics Members As many as 40 more retailers, along with dozens of other marijuana-related businesses, could open . Learn more about the program and what it offers. On June 22, 2021, Governor Lamont signed Senate Bill 1201 that legalized recreational cannabis. Michel said the money collected from the tax should go toward healthcare and education, education for sure. 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. As of October 2021, qualified medical patients are allowed cultivate up to 6 plants for personal use (3 immature and 3 mature), with a limit of 12 per household. Cannabis in Connecticut Dec 6, 2022 Low-Level Cannabis Possession Convictions Are Set to Be Cleared for Thousands in CT Sales will be limited to 1/4 ounce of cannabis flower, or its. At the store, early on, there is expected to be a bit of a wait with higher demand. . Here is what consumers need to know about the process: Seven retail cannabis shops are expected to open Tuesday morning. 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. Consumer Alert: Consumer Protection Reminds Adults 21+ Who Purchase Cannabis to Use Products Responsibly Latest News: Adult-Use Cannabis and Medical Marijuana Sales Surpass $13.3 million in January Cannabis is legal in Connecticut. Westport's ban excludes medical dispensaries. Patients can change their caregiver through the DCP once a year if needed. Although many of the hybrid retailers will provide separate checkout counters or cash registers for Medical Marijuana Program patients, they may still experience increased traffic, as well as crowds in and around the hybrid retailers in the opening days of the market.. Are you sure you want to log out of your account? Starting in 2026, they expect we'll see $125 million per year in cannabis tax revenue. All adults over age 21 will be able to grow under the same rules starting July 1, 2023. Daniel Figueroa IV Dec. 2, 2022 Updated: Jan. 9, 2023 11:57 a.m. 5 Privacy Policy. Please read the articles below for more details, and check back regularly for updates. Ned Lamont proposed a legislation that would permit the sale and possession of recreational marijuana in Connecticut, starting in 2022 and relying on the existing infrastructure of medical cannabis producers and dispensaries for a fast start while also offering opportunity to newcomers.. Gov. The town's moratorium was extended by three months before its expiration on Dec. 31, 2022. Walk-ins welcome on a first . Wilton's moratorium has been extended until Oct. 29, 2023. Read time: 6 minutes. State Commissioner of the Department of Consumer Protection Michelle Seagull in a 2020 file photo. It is illegal to consume medical marijuana in any public place in Connecticut. The 9 cannabis dispensaries ready for retail sales in Connecticut, according to the state Weed is legal and nine dispensaries have completed the licensing process, the state said. Molly is a reporter covering Fairfield County. In CT its pick between these 4 eighths. Patients who can make purchases ahead of time, or have their medicine delivered, are advised to do so. Medical & Recreational. If you aren't interested in smoking or vaping, you can turn to edibles. Adult-Use Sales have started in Connecticut at licensed retailers. I think that even most proponents of allowing sale of marijuana here think it shouldnt be allowed in public spaces," Mayor Joe Kilduff said to the Bristol Press. By Ginny Monk, Julia Bergman, Andrew DaRosa and Derek Turner | Feb. 11, 2022 | Updated: Jan. 11, 2023 9:16 AM 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. 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. Your donation today will allow us to continue this work on your behalf. In November of 2021, the East Hartford Planning & Zoning Commission approved zoning regulations pertaining to retail sales and production of cannabis. All rights reserved, Lawsuits Challenge Connecticut's Social Equity Process, These 2 College Friends Pawned Watches and Cars to Fund Their Cannabis StartupIt Could Bring in $400 Million This Year, Face the Facts: Where the Licensing Process for Recreational Cannabis in Conn. Some haulers caught, Arming guidance counselors? Neighbors packed . Please be aware that there are also very specificadvertising guidelinesfor businesses who intend to participate in the retail sale of cannabis. Watch Live at 7:00 PM: The U.S. and the Holocaust, a film by Ken Burns | Screening & Panel Discussion . Yes, patients can designate caregivers if a physician approves. 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. Stores are expected in 2023. "Today is historic, but the real story is about the benefits to come that will transform lives and communities.". A CT bill would expand it. Ned Lamont on June 22, 2021 making Connecticut is the nineteenth state to legalize adult-use cannabis. Residents 21 and older are able to possess up to 1.5 ounces, while they can also store up to five ounces in a locked container at home. The state also has a medical marijuana program for qualifying patients, which was passed into law under House Bill No. Directions. New information regarding the moratorium is not immediately available. State officials are still setting up the legal system for. Delivery service companies are also being established in the state, but not yet open. Prior to that he worked as city editor of the Record-Journal and a reporter before that covering his hometown of Meriden. Beginning July 2023, recreational users may grow with the same limits. 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. Growth operations will be allowed in Industrial Districts with some specific standards. States officials have said they will continue to review the process for potential changes. The Planning and Zoning Commission voted unanimously to adopt zoning regulations that would permit cannabis retailers and cultivators to operate in certain zones. For years, state officials wrestled with the idea of creating a retail cannabis industry, first starting with a medical marijuana program. Learn more about how and when to apply for a cannabis establishment license. There are three different taxes on cannabis products in Connecticut. . North Branford's moratorium is set to last for one year and became effective in October 2021. The towns Planning Commission unanimously voted to recommend the ban last only six months. CORRECTS IDENTIFICATION TO LYNN GOLDSTEIN FROM LAURA BASS WRIGHT - Lynn Goldstein of Norwich, Conn, left, is . New Fairfield's moratorium, which became effective in November 2021, was set to last for one year. Burlington's moratorium expired Sept. 8, 2022. Connecticut has one of the best equity programs, with half of the licenses going to those applicants. State officials announced Friday that licensed hybrid retailers may begin selling cannabis products to all adults 21 and older starting on Jan. 10, 2023. Some municipalities outright banned legal cannabis businesses in their town, while others passed a moratorium to give local leaders more time to study and create regulations.With recreational cannabis establishments starting to open around the state, some towns are beginning to revisit their moratoriums. Initially, those stores can provide delivery if they so choose. He has won awards from the National Society of Professional Journalists and the National Press Club; several awards from the National Society of Newspaper Columnists; and numerous awards for news and column-writing from the state chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists. No, there is no medical marijuana reciprocity in Connecticut. Visit this page for news updates from across State agencies about Adult-Use Cannabis in Connecticut. listeners, viewers, and readers like you who value fact-based journalism and trustworthy information. The Marijuana Policy Project estimates that cannabis will generate $1.1 billion in state and local tax revenue in the first seven years of legalization. With legislative approval, officials have spent two years crafting rules and regulations for the industry and for consumption. Where does the industry stand? The ban on marijuana sales was enacted before the state's adult-use law was passed. Fine Fettle dispensary products on display In Newington, Connecticut, Oct. 17, 2022. 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. 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. We know that many people are excited to participate in this marketplace, whether as a business or a consumer, and we encourage adults who choose to purchase and consume these products to do so responsibly once sales begin on January 10.. Medical marijuana patients can grow up to three mature and three immature plants. FAQs Is marijuana legal in Connecticut? 02/28/2022 04:30 AM EST. Nine medical marijuana operators have successfully completed the steps needed to expand their businesses to include the new market for adults 21 and over. While the SEC efforts are moving forward, state officials still say they need to complete work on the entire cannabis supply chain. . 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. . Zoning regulations have been established for cannabis establishments. The town is taking a "wait and see" approach to cannabis retail. It's a big deal because of all the people who have been locked up, especially for people who look like me, my friends, family, this is a good opportunity, Ian said. Mid-2022: The first recreational dispensaries are expected to open in Connecticut. We've got 50,000 people's records expunged. Woodstock's moratorium has been extended until April 2023. passed legal recreational cannabis in Connecticut. The city of Milford adopted an ordinance that. Developed to make sure the adult-use cannabis program is grown equitably and ensure funds are brought back to the communities hit hardest by the "war on drugs.". Dec. 9, 2022 update: The state has announced that recreational weed sales will begin Jan. 10, 2023. 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. A 6.35% sales tax, a 3% sales tax dedicated to the city or town where the sale occurs, and a tax based on THC content, which ranges from 10% to 15% of the sale price. 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 law was amended by Public Act 22-103, An Act Concerning Cannabis, in May 2022. The state also is standing out for a focus on social equity before the Connecticut recreational cannabis market even opens. For those considering starting a business, the licensing and review process is currently underway. Yes. Connecticut approved recreational cannabis use in June 2021. CONNECTICUT Recreational cannabis use has been legal for Connecticut adults since July 2021, but retail sales haven't started yet. Starting January 10th, recreational marijuana will be sold at nine different dispensaries in Connecticut. 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. Connecticut legalized adult-use cannabis last year, but it's still unclear when. In July 2021, the city said it would not regulate cannabis any different than cigarettes, but it open to public comments. Learn about addiction prevention, and risks of cannabis. 'What's the right level of enforcement?' Fine Fettle runs three Connecticut dispensaries. The town does not currently have a moratorium or a ban, the town's land use coordinator said. The planning and zoning commission will likely take the issue up formally in 2022, Jeremy Ginsberg, director of land use said. Residents over the age of 21 can legally possess and consume marijuana. Out here in CO there are dozens of flower providers, and edibles, and concentrates. If you do want to logout, please click "Logout". He previously worked at the Hartford Courant as the sports editor and the deputy managing editor. The city is closer to retail recreational cannabis sales with the Board of Alders overwhelming approval of zoning text amendments governing where cannabis and cannabis products can be sold, as well as where they can be consumed. CT med selection is bare bones, and you're super limited to like four or five suppliers. A Special Meeting on "adult recreational marijuana" was held Aug. 11, 2022. Sales will be limited to 1/4 ounce of cannabis flower, or its equivalent, per transaction when the market opens. The Connecticut Center for Economic Analysis at UConn found in a 2020 study that even measured conservatively, adult-use retail sales will mean increased business growth and significant creation of new jobs, especially if the state can beat New York and Rhode Island to open its marketplace. But people who applied are facing long odds.. A six month moratorium began on Jan. 8, 2022. This includes licensing on in-state retail locations, testing labs, and growers. HUSKY Health is helping immigrants. For more information on how to obtain a license under 18 years old, An Act Concerning the Palliative Use of Marijuana, Agree to undertake the responsibility of managing a patient, Have no prior controlled substance convictions, Not be the qualifying patients physician. 5389, Patients must become qualified by a Connecticut-licensed physician who recommends medical cannabis to treat one or more state-approved qualifying conditions. However, it should be noted that because cannabis has not been legalized on a national level, it is illegal to bring it over the state line, according to the Cannabis Control Commission of Massachusetts. Give today at any amount and join the 50,000 members who are Putnam's moratorium was set to expire Sept. 18, 2022. Promoting safe, healthy use of cannabis by those of legal age. Edibles vary by type and size. Hebron's moratorium was extended until Dec. 31, 2023. The state plans to expand the number of stores later in the year. By Ayah Galal Published : Dec. 29, 2022 at 3:18 PM EST | Updated : Dec. 29, 2022 at 7:19 . The state also has a medical marijuana program for qualifying patients. The state recently received 41 applications for cultivator licenses under the social equity provisions to grow in facilities at least 15,000-square feet in size, in one of the disproportionately impacted areas identified by census tracts as generally low-income urban areas, identified by unemployment rates and cannabis convictions. The town has delayed discussion pertaining to cannabis establishments. The Curaleaf Hartford site opened . Taxes for recreational cannabis are about 20 percent, including the 6.35 percent regular sales tax. The policies and procedures related to the home grow provisions of the medical marijuana program are also available at eRegulations.ct.gov. 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. At Southern Connecticut Wellness & Healing (SCWH) our sole aim is to assist qualified Connecticut patients with the use of medical marijuana. Edibles vary by size, but they cannot exceed 5 milligrams of THC, according to state regulation. And starting Friday, folks who have criminal records for possessing four ounces or less can petition the court for the erasure of criminal records, which is a huge step.. Jan. 10, 2023, at 7:54 a.m. Legal Recreational Marijuana Sales Start in Connecticut. Curbside pickup. Bozrah Planning & Zoning Commission approved regulations allowing Cultivator and Micro-cultivator Cannabis Establishments in the I-80 and I30 zoning districts, but clarifying that Cannabis Establishments other than Cultivators and Micro-cultivators are prohibited. That means while state officials hope to launch retail sales by the end of 2022, they have not yet set an exact date. Trumbull's moratorium has been extended into 2023. Or any combination up to 7 total grams, which equals 1/4 ounce. WILLIMANTIC As an adult-use cannabis industry draws closer to being a reality in Connecticut, Benjamin Zacks, chief operating officer of medical marijuana dispensary Fine Fettle, said the business and social impact is too big to ignore. . Only a handful of dispensaries will launch initially, and there are limits on how much cannabis customers can buy at one time. Sales have started in Connecticut and possession of 1.5 oz of cannabis is now legal. Michel, the state representative, said recreational sales beginning was just the beginning. Open now Order online. Dispensaries for medical cannabis have been open since of 2014. 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. Ken Dixon is a reporter with Hearst Connecticut Media Group. The town will allow cannabis retail, but not growing or manufacturing. The town approved a moratorium, which expired on Sept. 20, 2022. Learn more about what's in effect now. The state also has a medical marijuana program for qualifying patients, which was passed into law under House Bill No. The state has released details on which communities will have reported zoning changes and will allow recreational marijuana and which will not. These will vary by store, but Connecticut officials have created rules around them. Ned Lamont signed the bill it into law. New information regarding the moratorium is not immediately available. Affinity in New Haven, Bluepoint Wellness in Branford, Still River Wellness in Torrington, Fine Fettle stores in Newington, Stamford and WIllimantic, The Botanist stores in Danbury and Montville, [] Retail dispensaries are expected to open mid-2022, but are not currently open at this time. The state of Connecticut has quietly put together a recreational cannabis market where retail sales could begin before the end of 2022. These are the Medical Marijuana Dispensaries that have been notified that they successfully completed the necessary steps for conversion to a hybrid license and may begin selling cannabis products to all adults 21 and over, beginning no earlier than 10 a.m. on Jan. 10, 2023: Copyright 2023 NBCUniversal Media, LLC. Nine dispensaries in Connecticut opened their doors Tuesday to make the first sales of recreational marijuana to adults aged 21 or older. It opened the first in Willimantic and later acquired two others, which today operate in Newington and Stamford. The town has approved Fine Fettle as a hybrid dispensary, meaning it can sell both medical and adult-use recreational marijuana, if approved by the state. The state also is requiring 250,000 square feet of grow and manufacture space devoted exclusively to the adult-use market. Dan Brechlin is the managing editor of CT Insider at Hearst Connecticut. 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. Updated: Nov 11, 2022 / 07:34 AM EST. Are you sure you want to log out of your account? New information regarding the moratorium is not immediately available. for an in-depth breakdown on accepted qualifying conditions. Old Saybrook's moratorium was scheduled to expire at the end of May 2022. See the full list below. Connecticut legalized cannabis in June 2021, when Gov. Since the adult use law's passage, state officials had hoped to see the new. The Planning and Zoning Commission adopted a one-year moratorium April 1, 2022 on the acceptance of applications and the use of land or buildings for adult-use cannabis businesses. Taxes Retail Sales. Some other communities have put a moratorium on the decision and will wait to see how it goes before they make their decision. Connecticut's nation-leading medical marijuana program will continue to serve patients. Preston has drafted new zoning regulations pertaining to cannabis dispensaries and production facilties. This is a carousel. Get all the facts on the new law. building a betterand more civilConnecticut to live, work, and play. Retail dispensaries are expected to open mid-2022, but are not currently open at this time. They are as follows: Two of the businesses approved to open will not. Ned Lamont signed Senate Bill 1201 into law. And, especially early on, expect longer lines and perhaps traffic in the area. Carjacking Suspect Seriously Injured in Crash Involving 5 Other Vehicles in Waterbury, Passenger on Plane Diverted to Bradley Airport Dies, Hartford Hospital's Transplant Team Saves Lives Every Day, NBC & Telemundo Connecticut Job Opportunities. Beginning July 1, all adults in Connecticut can grow the same number of plants. March 10, 2022 CT medical marijuana dispensary has big plans to enter recreational market Photo | Contributed Fine Fettle dispensary has boosted safety measures during the COVID-19. The citys planning and zoning commission voted on areas where a marijuana grower or a marijuana seller can set up shop in Derby. . Nine dispensaries in Connecticut opened their doors Tuesday to make the first sales of recreational marijuana to adults aged 21 or older. Adults cannot have more than 112 ounces (43 g) of cannabis on their person, and no more than 5 ounces (140 g) in their homes or . Each city and town was given the opportunity to decide whether to approve or prohibit establishments from opening in their community. The 4,000-square-foot dispensary, to be known as Mystic Greenz, is being built along Harristown Boulevard near U.S. 36 with its owners hoping to be open for business by June 2023. /. Some haulers caught, Arming guidance counselors? 2022. These provisions are meant to help counteract decades of disproportionate arrests and prosecutions of Black people and others from communities of color. Governor Ned Lamont passed a bill that legalized cannabis in 2021. For priority, call to make an appointment or place an order via our online ordering system. "The more we do to take that away, the better our education will be in the state.. She also produces Long Story Short, a podcast exploring public policy issues across Connecticut. We expect adult use sales to commence around the end of 2022.. Granby's moratorium is set to expire Aug. 31, 2023. Customers at Fine Fettle said the now-legal sales, paired with the expungement of records, signify a new era for the state. Ian, who asked to be identified only by first name, said the decision was especially important to the Black community. 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. Social equity applicants are being reviewed for licenses as a cultivator, producer, manufacturer, food and beverage manufacturer, sales, dispensary facilities, delivery service and transporters. Ten to 15 percent of the tax is based on the THC content of the product. Ned. North Stonington approved of new regulations for at least one cannabis retailer license and one micro-cultivator or. (WTNH) - Recreational marijuana sales in Connecticut start exactly two weeks from today. Connecticut Marijuana Laws. Governor Ned Lamont passed a bill that legalized cannabis in 2021. Sharon's moratorium, which became effective in January 2022, was set to last for six months. Transaction limits will be reviewed over time. Aug 31, 2022 at 6:00 am. Medical marijuana patients may grow up to 3 mature and 3 immature plants at home starting October 1, 2021, with a cap of 12 total plants per household. 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. New York, New Jersey and Connecticut with a . Oxford has set an 18-month moratorium on "retail sales, manufacture, and cultivation" of cannabis. Two more medical marijuana dispensaries, in Danbury and Torrington, are expected to begin serving recreational cannabis customers soon. The long-awaited start of cannabis retails sales will begin in Connecticut Tuesday as seven stores across the state open their doors. Lawsuits Challenge Connecticut's Social Equity Process Business Aug 10, 2022 These 2 College Friends Pawned Watches and Cars to Fund Their Cannabis StartupIt Could Bring in $400 Million This. Waterbury's moratorium was set to expire on Aug. 9, 2022. The town council passed it as a land-use ban for any type of cannabis sales or production facilities. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate. As of June 14, 2021, the town had not placed a moratorium or ban on adult-use cannabis businesses. Dispensaries are getting ready to welcome more customers . The Planning and Zoning Commission voted 4-1 to allow retail cannabis establishments in most of the towns commercial zones with certain restrictions, the Journal Inquirer reported. Regulations around retail cannabis establishments were last decided by the town on July 19, 2022. Bethany's Planning and Zoning Commission announced in October 2022 that it has drafted regulations to allow for a cannabis establishment in town. Date: December 16, 2021. The 1/4 ounce measurement means consumers can buy up to seven pre-rolled cigarettes that weigh a gram each, or two to four vape cartridges. By accepting all cookies, you agree to our use of cookies to deliver and maintain our services and site, improve the quality of Reddit, personalize Reddit content and advertising, and measure the effectiveness of advertising. community-supported public media service, Connecticut Public has relied on donor support for more than 50 years. In Stamford, Fine Fettle has been open for medical sales for over a year. For those considering starting a business, the licensing and review process is currently underway. Until then, though, Connecticut residents will slip over the border into southern Massachusetts for their cannabis supplies, bringing their revenue to the northern neighbor and nearby towns including Springfield, Boston, Easthampton, Northampton, Great Barrington and Pittsfield. Glastonbury's moratorium, which became effective in September 2021, is set to expire on March 1, 2023. Insa currently operates three recreational . 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. 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. Weve carefully crafted a securely regulated market that prioritizes public health, public safety, social justice and equity.. "Andover has not banned cannabis sales or farming. While transporting, the cannabis needs to be stored in a locked glovebox or the trunk. There are no taxes for medical marijuana. As of October 2022, recreational marijuana use is legal in 19 states, Washington, D.C., and Guam, and medical use is legal is 38 states, but, on a federal level, it remains illegal and is. Coventry officials are continuing to debate regulations regarding cannabis establishments. Visit the DCP websiteto learn more about the petition process. As of July 1, 2021, adult-use ("recreational") cannabis is legal in Connecticut.