listeners, viewers, and readers like you who value fact-based journalism and trustworthy information. While the SEC efforts are moving forward, state officials still say they need to complete work on the entire cannabis supply chain. New information regarding the moratorium is not immediately available. For more information, please see our Date: December 16, 2021. She also produces Long Story Short, a podcast exploring public policy issues across Connecticut. For those considering starting a business, the licensing and review process is currently underway. 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. 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. Or any combination up to 7 total grams, which equals 1/4 ounce. Beverages are allowed, but can only come in single servings. Prior to that he worked as city editor of the Record-Journal and a reporter before that covering his hometown of Meriden. Planning and development unanimously approved a moratorium on adult-use cannabis sales on Nov. 24, 2021. They believe with the new law they will probably see their daily customer numbers grow to around 1,500. There are 18 dispensaries in Connecticut and while nine of them are converting to offer retail cannabis, they are not scrapping the medical program. The law was amended by Public Act 22-103, An Act Concerning Cannabis, in May 2022. Chief Operating Officer Cory Ravelson said recreational sales will provide multiple benefits to the state. The Planning and Zoning Commission voted unanimously to adopt zoning regulations that would permit cannabis retailers and cultivators to operate in certain zones. It is illegal to consume medical marijuana in any public place in Connecticut. For priority, call to make an appointment or place an order via our online ordering system. 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 vote came the day before recreational cannabis sales began in the state. . 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. Capsules, pills and tablets are also not allowed. A six month moratorium began on Jan. 8, 2022. At the store, early on, there is expected to be a bit of a wait with higher demand. 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. CT proposal causes confusion, concern. In fact, we've gone the other way, and we're actively recruiting cannabis businesses in the town," Eric Anderson, the Town Administrator, said. A standard-sized brownie or cookie can be the equivalent of .08 grams of cannabis flower. The town's zoning laws have never allowed marijuana dispensaries. Watch Live at 7:00 PM: The U.S. and the Holocaust, a film by Ken Burns | Screening & Panel Discussion . BRISTOL, Conn. (WTNH) - The city of Bristol is preparing plans for recreational marijuana sales but not all residents are happy about it. Granby's moratorium is set to expire Aug. 31, 2023. There are about 50,000 registered medical marijuana patients in Connecticut. Are you sure you want to log out of your account? A moratorium expired June 15, 2022. "People are . Legal Cannabis Dispensaries . Businesses must first receive a license through DCP before applying to receive a special permit to operate in East Hartford. 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. Beginning July 2023, recreational users may grow with the same limits. building a betterand more civilConnecticut to live, work, and play. Thepolicies and proceduresrelated to Public Act 21-1,An Act Concerning Responsible And Equitable Regulation Of Adult-Use Cannabis,are available ateRegulations.ct.gov. With legislative approval, officials have spent two years crafting rules and regulations for the industry and for consumption. Keeping up with 169 municipalities can be tough. No, there is no medical marijuana reciprocity in Connecticut. However, a public hearing has been called for January 12, 2023, to discuss modifications to the moratorium. On Tuesday, yes. Some haulers caught, Arming guidance counselors? The town is taking a "wait and see" approach to cannabis retail. Review public documents and statistics related to the adult-use cannabis program. The law was amended by Public Act 22-103, An Act Concerning Cannabis, in May 2022. And while the state Department of Economic and Community Development has a seat on the Social Equity Council, the agency is making investments in large corporate cannabis operations, Ward said. The policies and procedures related to the home grow provisions of the medical marijuana program are also available at eRegulations.ct.gov. Edibles vary by size, but they cannot exceed 5 milligrams of THC, according to state regulation. However, due to high demand, the state Department of Consumer Protection warned that it may be a challenge, especially shortly after initial openings. Connecticut approved recreational cannabis use in June 2021. Consumption is banned everywhere smoking cigarettes is banned, in addition to health care facilities including psychiatric hospitals, and areas in or around an establishment with a liquor license (such as outdoor seating at bars and restaurants). Growth operations will be allowed in Industrial Districts with some specific standards. Cookie Notice DeVaughn Ward, senior legislative counsel for the Marijuana Policy Project, said Thursday that overall, hes disappointed with Connecticuts program, including secret lotteries while allowing existing medical marijuana operators to get a leg up in the adult-retail realm. State regulators currently anticipate retail sales of adult-use marijuana will begin by the end of 2022. CT proposal causes confusion, concern, RISE, formerly known as Bluepoint Wellness of Connecticut, Branford, Zen Leaf, formerly known as Willow Brook Wellness, Meriden. Connecticut is now the 18th state to legalize adult, recreational use of cannabis, after Democratic Gov. We will be putting together a draft ordinance that, if adopted, will ban smoking cannabis in public spaces. Retail will most likely follow the same rules that currently exists for alcoholic beverage sales with appropriate separation distances to impacted land uses such as churches, playgrounds, etc. Social equity applicants are being reviewed for licenses as a cultivator, producer, manufacturer, food and beverage manufacturer, sales, dispensary facilities, delivery service and transporters. Qualified patients can purchase flower, edibles (including baked goods), concentrates and transdermal products from their designated dispensary. Waterbury's moratorium was set to expire on Aug. 9, 2022. Connecticut is the 20th state to allow dispensaries to sell the drug for recreational use. The town does not currently have a moratorium or a ban, the town's land use coordinator said. At home it can be used, although landlords have the right to prohibit smoking and vaping. Delivery is available by store. (203) 488-1388. Learn about addiction prevention, and risks of cannabis. 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. Taxes for recreational cannabis are about 20 percent, including the 6.35 percent regular sales tax. Groton's ban became effective in November 2021. Neighbors packed . State officials are still setting up the legal system for. Previously, medical patients were required to designate a single dispensary for purchasing, however that requirement was removed October 1, 2021. Retail dispensaries are expected to open mid-2022, but are not currently open at this time. . There are three different taxes on cannabis products in Connecticut. HUSKY Health is helping immigrants. . 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. So, were thrilled," Nelson said. Learn more about adult-use cannabis in Connecticut here. Bristol adopted rules and regulations on adult-use cannabis in the city on August 10, 2022. The town's Planning and Zoning Committee has extended its moratorium on cannabis establishments into 2023 as they discuss the possibilities of recreational cannabis establishments in town. "The more we do to take that away, the better our education will be in the state.. Those charged with simple possession of 4 ounces or less before Jan. 1, 2000, or from Oct. 1, 2015 through June 30, 2021 will be eligible to petition the Superior Court to have their criminal . New information regarding the moratorium is not immediately available. These will vary by store, but Connecticut officials have created rules around them. The policies and procedures related to the home grow provisions of the medical marijuana program are also available at eRegulations.ct.gov. Adult-Use Sales have started in Connecticut at licensed retailers. . Weve carefully crafted a securely regulated market that prioritizes public health, public safety, social justice and equity.. Regulations around retail cannabis establishments were last decided by the town on July 19, 2022. 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. Normally, The Botanist would serve around 350 medical marijuana patients on a daily basis. Cannabis sales to adults in Connecticut can begin next week, according to the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection. Connecticut Medical Marijuana Dispensary wpengine 2022-11-08T06:52:58-05:00. A plan to allow recreational cannabis dispensaries and production facilities has been endorsed by the Common Council's zoning subcommittee. They are as follows: Two of the businesses approved to open will not. 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. "We have bits and pieces of the area in everything that we cook here," says Tuckerbox owner Jackie Oktay. I think that the members of the town council will support such a proposal. 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. Glastonbury's moratorium, which became effective in September 2021, is set to expire on March 1, 2023. New projections from MJBizDaily formerly called Marijuana Business Daily, indicate that Connecticuts first full year of sales should range from between $300 million and $375 million, while by the fourth year, sales should range between $650 million and $800 million. Retail sales of recreational cannabis are expected to begin some time in 2022. Directions. The moratorium will buy time for the town to better understand the state's legislation and also learn what other states are doing. Edibles vary by type and size. Date: December 10, 2021 by: Tim Harfmann. The rule is designed to ensure that adequate cannabis product is available for Connecticut medical marijuana patients. Existing medical marijuana producers can go into adult-use retail for $3 million, as well. (WTNH) - Recreational marijuana sales in Connecticut start exactly two weeks from today. CONNECTICUT Recreational cannabis use has been legal for Connecticut adults since July 2021, but retail sales haven't started yet. New information regarding the moratorium is not immediately available. The state also is standing out for a focus on social equity before the Connecticut recreational cannabis market even opens. By the end of the 2020s, direct and indirect revenue generated from cannabis sales and associated revenues could push over a billion dollars while creating hundreds of jobs in the industry and hundreds of millions in new tax revenue annually, once the rollout evolves into a mature market. Ledyard's current moratorium expired in December 2022. Patients who can make purchases ahead of time, or have their medicine delivered, are advised to do so. The planning and zoning commission will likely take the issue up formally in 2022, Jeremy Ginsberg, director of land use said. A Special Meeting on "adult recreational marijuana" was held Aug. 11, 2022. Joe Amon. Preston has drafted new zoning regulations pertaining to cannabis dispensaries and production facilties. A worker displayed fresh cannabis flower buds, in a 2019 file photo. The SEC already has approved 16 applicants for the first group of cannabis growers in Connecticut, according to the Hartford Courant. 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. Patients must become qualified by a Connecticut-licensed physician who recommends medical cannabis to treat one or more state-approved qualifying conditions. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. "Today is historic, but the real story is about the benefits to come that will transform lives and communities.". Connecticut legalized adult-use cannabis last year, but it's still unclear when. But it's likely that many more will open in 2023 and beyond. As of June 14, 2021, the town had not placed a moratorium or ban on adult-use cannabis businesses. 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. Yes. The state plans to expand the number of stores later in the year. As of July 1, 2021, adult-use ("recreational") cannabis is legal in Connecticut. Connecticut Marijuana Laws. Learn more about what's in effect now. But the legislation still lets local communities use zoning . The state of Connecticut has quietly put together a recreational cannabis market where retail sales could begin before the end of 2022. 2022 / 04:59 PM EST. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate. Burlington's moratorium expired Sept. 8, 2022. Some haulers caught, Arming guidance counselors? Home growers are currently not allowed to do so. Trulieve can become a hybrid dispensary and also . In Stamford, Fine Fettle has been open for medical sales for over a year. No, patients under the age of 18 are allowed to qualify through one of the approved medical conditions listed above. New Jersey began retail sales on April 21 after the state's medical marijuana dispensaries converted to hybrid licenses. Starting in 2026, they expect we'll see $125 million per year in cannabis tax revenue. The town set a moratorium, which expires on June 8, 2023. There will be three (3) taxes on retail sale of cannabis: the state's usual 6.35 percent sales tax, a 3 percent sales tax dedicated to the city or town where the sale occurs, and a tax based on THC content that will cost approximately 10 to15 percent of the sale price. 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. Learn more about how and when to apply for a cannabis establishment license. Insa currently operates three recreational . Cannabis establishmets are permitted by Special Exception Application. Open now Order online. For more information on how to obtain a license under 18 years old,visit here. Consumers are encouraged to check out offerings on store websites, if they have them, ahead of visiting the stores. Governor Ned Lamont passed a bill that legalized cannabis in 2021. In-store purchases only. 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. Date: September 15, 2021. In CT its pick between these 4 eighths. Sign up to receive our newsletter and alerts direct to your inbox. He previously worked at the Hartford Courant as the sports editor and the deputy managing editor. 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. The council forwarded the names to the states consumer protection officials for a background check. As many as 40 more retailers, along with dozens of other marijuana-related businesses, could open . 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. The DCP will hold two lotteries for each license type: a social equity lottery and a general lottery. You can get a 50$ oz of some fine mids or a 100$ oz of good good tree, and the option is there. Marijuana has been legal in CT for a year, but still not for sale: 'They still have a lot to do' Ken Dixon July 1, 2022 4 A full year into Connecticut's legalization of adult-use cannabis, the state has yet to reap a single tax dollar from sales of recreational marijuana. 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. Included in the law are provisions to: The new law also created a Social Equity Council (SEC) to oversee an effort to draw more social equity applicants into the cannabis market. 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. The ban on marijuana sales was enacted before the state's adult-use law was passed. Possession of 1.5 oz of cannabis is now legal, and sales have started at licensed retailers. Connecticut has one of the best equity programs, with half of the licenses going to those applicants. North Stonington approved of new regulations for at least one cannabis retailer license and one micro-cultivator or. 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. New information regarding the moratorium is not immediately available. That means while state officials hope to launch retail sales by the end of 2022, they have not yet set an exact date. It will be interesting to see the kind of partnering up that will be going on, Smith said. Where does the industry stand? We expect adult use sales to commence around the end of 2022.. 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. The town adopted a moratorium on May 1, 2022 and it lasts until April 30, 2023. Is CT recycling going into the trash? Still, to this point, the Connecticut recreational cannabis market already provides for diverse business ownership, decriminalizes possession, and has been marked by little of the drama that plagued other states. 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 town council passed it as a land-use ban for any type of cannabis sales or production facilities. He reported on suburban communities and Bridgeport City Hall, then in 1994 began covering the State Capitol and state government. Hamden's moratorium was extended by three months in November 2022. And the fact is, cannabis has always been there, and it's here to stay.. Smith said that the $3 million needed to become a cultivator is an incredibly high amount, necessitating a well-funded financial, likely corporate, backer. 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. "As far as I am aware this topic has not been brought up to the Board of Selectmen," Gary Silver, the Media Coordinator for the Town of Bolton, said. A February 2023 meeting is scheduled to look at a proposal for new zoning regulations. Westport's ban excludes medical dispensaries. Sharon's moratorium, which became effective in January 2022, was set to last for six months. Examples of what 1/4 of an ounce of cannabis flower or its equivalent might look like include: Patients in the Medical Marijuana Program are advised to purchase any necessary medication prior to Jan. 10, or at one of the nine medical-only dispensaries in the state, as long lines and traffic are expected around the hybrid retailers during the opening weeks of adult-use sales. Long lines formed early in the morning outside of dispensaries: Today marks a turning point in the injustices caused by the war on drugs, most notably now that there is a legal alternative to the dangerous, unregulated, underground market for cannabis sales, Lamont said in a statement. State Commissioner of the Department of Consumer Protection Michelle Seagull in a 2020 file photo. Its a far cry from what many were led to believe, Ward said, stressing that the results of Connecticuts cannabis market remain to be seen later this year.. But on the positive side, Connecticut is no longer spending money to prosecute people for cannabis, Ward said in a phone interview from Hawaii, where he is working on lobbying that states legislature. 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. Ned. 2022. The employees who would be removed from the UMass Amherst union system work for the university's advancement office. The state plans to award half of all initial cannabis retail licenses to social equity applicants. Sales are limited to 1/4 ounce of cannabis flower, or the equivalent, for each transaction. One edible serving cannot have more than 5 milligrams of THC. The town approved a moratorium, which expired on Sept. 20, 2022. At Southern Connecticut Wellness & Healing (SCWH) our sole aim is to assist qualified Connecticut patients with the use of medical marijuana. 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. by Erica E. Phillips December 9,. But people who applied are facing long odds.. 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. Dispensaries for medical cannabis have been open since of 2014. Many of those medical marijuana dispensaries will open for business as retail-medical hybrids on Tuesday the first day retail sales can legally happen. Please be aware that there are also very specificadvertising guidelinesfor businesses who intend to participate in the retail sale of cannabis. Updated: Dec 28, 2022 / 03:41 AM EST. The state also has a medical marijuana program for qualifying patients. 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. New information regarding the moratorium is not immediately available. If you do want to logout, please click "Logout". 'What's the right level of enforcement?' Fine Fettle runs three Connecticut dispensaries. However, the zoning commission will consider an amendment to further restrict where retailers can be located. And, especially early on, expect longer lines and perhaps traffic in the area. 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. 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. States officials have said they will continue to review the process for potential changes. And we've seen the model work in other places. The state will not begin issuing permits for recreational marijuana retailers until 2022, but businesses could still try to apply beforehand to open a dispensary in Danbury, Calitro said. On Friday, state regulators announced that nine existing medical dispensaries can add recreational sales. The first day of recreational sales came just over a week after Lamont erased more than 40,000 cannabis convictions. "We . Cannabis dispensaries and production facilities are banned. Approved hybrid retail cannabis establishments as of July 12, 2022. Guilford's moratorium has been extended until April 2023. 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. Aug 31, 2022 at 6:00 am. Various taxes include the 6.35 percent state sales tax, plus 3 percent taxes for locations that host cannabis businesses and a sliding scale of addition levies based on potency of THC levels of 10 to 15 percent. 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.. 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 . 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. Yes, you can petition the Commissioner of Consumer Protection via its Board of Physicians. A CT bill would expand it. Connecticut Recreational Marijuana Dispensary Customers. 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. Taxes Retail Sales. Ben & Jerrys has released a statement promising to take decisive action when it learns of child labor on dairy farms supplying milk for its products.That's in response to a story from the New York Times about migrant children working in conditions in violation of labor laws across the U.S. Corporate Support: Advertising & Sponsorship, UMass Amherst unions question university plan to privatize more than 100 jobs, Ben & Jerry's condemns child labor in Vermont's dairy industry after New York Times investigation, Karen Hobert Flynn, Common Cause leader and CT reformer, dies, The state's best spellers gather in West Hartford for Connecticut Spelling Bee, Meet Snowflake, an old cat at a CT vet clinic that comforts pets and humans, Connecticut COVID data: Your town's infection rate, hospitalizations & vaccinations, As new research suggests COVID-19 is now endemic, physicians push back, Long COVID rates fall by half nationwide, New England rates among lowest, Turkish restaurant in the Upper Valley aims to help those affected by recent earthquakes, Affinity Health and Wellness in New Haven, Bluepoint Wellness of Connecticut in Branford, Fine Fettle Dispensary in Newington, Stamford and Willimantic. The city's Planning and Zoning Commission will take up. Open until 7:00pm. Beyond that, it is up to individual stores to decide what they want to offer. Only a handful of dispensaries will launch initially, and there are limits on how much cannabis customers can buy at one time. Connecticut has legalized it but recreational dispensaries aren't yet open. Yes, you can petition the Commissioner of Consumer Protection via its Board of Physicians. Of the 20 percent, 3 percent is also a local tax that goes to the city or town where the sale occurs. He still enjoys playing soccer, and is a member of a rock 'n' roll band. "We know that many people are excited to participate in this marketplace . New information regarding the moratorium is not immediately available. Customers at Fine Fettle said the now-legal sales, paired with the expungement of records, signify a new era for the state. CORRECTS IDENTIFICATION TO LYNN GOLDSTEIN FROM LAURA BASS WRIGHT - Lynn Goldstein of Norwich, Conn, left, is . 2012: Connecticut becomes the 17th state to allow medical use of marijuana. 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. Stores have installed kiosks so that orders can be made online and 'budtenders' can help answers questions and help with the checkout process.