As the legislative session draws to a close for Connecticut Lawmakers, it seems like time is running out for a comprehensive recreational cannabis legalization bill. Lawmakers are confident they will finish one in time and send it to Governor Lamont before June 9th. Connecticut may still have a chance to legalize recreational cannabis this session.

Lawmaker Response

The biggest concern that lawmakers have had up until now is social equity. The governor’s proposal back in February didn’t have enough social equity measures according to activists and lawmakers and the bill stalled. But with detailed conversations happening weekly, if not daily, reform is still possible. 

“I think we have a general agreement in terms of the important issues that have been out there for most of the session, which is getting around this definition of an equity applicant and ensuring that equity is the basis for passing that bill,” Representative Jason Rojas (D), the House Majority Leader, said in a briefing with reporters.

Special Session

One thing that lawmakers are up for but are trying to avoid is a special session. Special sessions happen when the governor calls lawmakers back to session. This is to discuss issues or concerns not completed in the regular session. The topic in question needs discussion before the beginning of the next session. The next regularly scheduled session wouldn’t take place until the beginning of the next year. If a special session is called by Governor Lamont, lawmakers would return in June and discuss recreational cannabis legalization. If the legalization bill heads to the governor before the regular session ends, then a special session wouldn’t be called. 

Governor Response

“Marijuana is sort of interesting to me,” Governor Lamont said during a press conference. “When it goes to a vote of the people through some sort of a referendum, it passes overwhelmingly. When it goes through a legislature and a lot of telephone calls are made, it’s slim or doesn’t pass. We’re trying to do it through the legislature. Folks are elected to make a decision, and we’ll see where it goes. If it doesn’t, we’ll probably end up in a referendum.”

Governor Lamont is on board with legalization efforts. They just need to make it to his desk. As more information becomes available, we will update you with the latest.

Make sure to check back for more cannabis and hemp related news.