Connecticut secures first legislative win towards legalizing marijuana

Reports confirm that the attempt to legalize marijuana in Connecticut has received its first legislative victory, after a legislative committee approved a plan that would establish a framework for the selling of cannabis products to adults who are 21 and older.

Apparently, taxes would be levied on drugs, but the legislation does not mention a specific tax rate.

Sources familiar with the matter informed that the general law committee sanctioned the bill by a vote of 10-8. However, the legislation still needs to be sanctioned by the House and Senate and signed by Governor Ned Lamont.

Seemingly, this is not the first time Connecticut’s legislative committee has favoured the sale of legal marijuana for adults, but this year’s manifesto is more detailed in comparison to the past one.  According to the supporters of recreational marijuana, this year there is more momentum with a new governor and new lawmakers who are in favour of legalization.

Further details whether the bill would get enough votes for final passage were not clear yet.  Last year, legislative committee had passed a legalization bill but was not called for a vote in either of the chambers.

Sources said the general law committee has reviewed the bill that contains a provision which supporters think could help to address the long-standing damage done to Latinos and African-Americans in the war on drugs. The people who have been adversely impacted by the high rate of conviction and arrest preference would get licensing for manufacturing, selling and cultivation of cannabis products and may have their records wiped clean.

It has also been reported that a portion of the money that is gained from the tax on marijuana would be spend on drug awareness education, abuse treatment programs, as per the proposed bill. Those who oppose the legalization claim marijuana sales could lead to increased motor accidents owing to drugged driving.