In the Media

We can talk all we want about "defunding the police" and cutting way back on law enforcement in American cities. But until cannabis is legalized in every state, real police reform "cannot happen," according to Neill Franklin, executive director of the Law Enforcement Action Partnership.

By legalizing even just one ounce of marijuana, Connecticut could bring its marijuana laws in line with the region, eliminate the number one pretext for stopping Black and Brown people, reduce the burden on our overwhelmed criminal justice system, and reduce the harm inflicted on communities of color by the failed war on drugs.

At the start of 2020, cannabis legalization bills in a handful of northeast states had a relatively clear path to passage. That was before the coronavirus pandemic hit. The latest place where a cannabis bill is delayed? Connecticut.

Lawmakers closed the legislative office building until at least April 23 due to COVID-19. Gov. Lamont also ordered public schools and non-essential businesses to remain closed until May 20. The current legislative session ends May 6. It is expected that the session will end without a deal on legalized marijuana. However, there is hope that legalization could be taken up in a late spring or summer special session.

On March 2, the Judiciary Committee held a public hearing on legislation that would end prohibition and regulate marijuana for adult use in Connecticut.

On February 18, members of the group Clergy United To Regulate Marijuana held a news conference in conjunction with the Connecticut Coalition to Regulate Marijuana to advocate for an end to prohibition in Connecticut.

Top lawmakers say cannabis legalization will be a priority when the Connecticut Legislature convenes for its 2020 session in February.

In October, Gov. Ned Lamont renewed his commitment to cannabis legalization and regulation in Connecticut. After meeting with other governors in the region, he announced that he will ask the legislature to pass a legalization bill in 2020.

A new poll just came out, and it confirms (yet again) that Connecticut residents strongly support legalizing cannabis and expunging criminal records for low-level offenses. Sadly, the legislature ended its regular session on June 5 without voting on any of the bills that would have ended cannabis prohibition.

The Connecticut Joint Committee on Finance, Revenue and Bonding approved a bill that would tax adult cannabis sales and distribute the revenue to underserved communities. It now advances to the full Senate for consideration.