The Connecticut Judiciary Committee approved Governor Lamont’s legalization bill this past Tuesday April 6. The committee had been debating changes and amendments to the bill for almost two months. Activists, lawmakers, and voters are excited with the changes. But more work needs to be done. This comes after Governor Lamont, along with several other governors across the country, push for legalization efforts.

Senate Bill 888 

SB 888 is one of the more progressive bills currently up for debate. Some standard laws would limit sales to people 21 and over. They can possess up to an ounce and a half on themselves at any given time. However, they can have up to five ounces at their home. 

Decriminalization provisions are also in SB 888. Up to four ounces of cannabis is decriminalized. Plus, automatic expungement provisions are also a part of SB 888. This clause is typically added to other bills instead of the legalization effort itself, so Connecticut is changing things up. Any previous convictions for possession of up to four ounces or six mature plants will be expunged. 

But there’s even more to SB 888 that has many people talking and it’s on social equity. 40 percent of eligible businesses licenses will be set aside for social equity applicants. Those applicants must have 51 percent of a business owned by someone who:

• Has a cannabis conviction
• Has an immediate family member with a cannabis conviction
• Lives in a “disproportionately affected community” for at least five of the last ten years
• A resident of a tribal land
• OR the business is run day-to-day by someone who meets the above criteria

Additional Changes

On top of everything listed above, SB 888 continues to make changes. For example, if SB 888 is passed, then a 12 member Social Equity Council will be developed. This council will establish social equity criteria, tax revenue allocations, and licensing policies. Additionally, the Department of Consumer Protection would be in charge of regulating the market.  That includes accepting applications for social equity businesses as early as July 1. 

Existing medical cannabis businesses can also apply for recreational licenses at the same time as social equity businesses. Any other licenses can apply starting in 2024. This allows for existing businesses and social equity start-ups to have a chance at establishing themselves in a competitive market. 

Medical cannabis patients can grow up to six cannabis plants for personal use starting in May of 2022. Plus, recreational cultivation is decriminalized but subject to fines. 

The icing on the cake: law enforcement can no longer allowed to conduct searches based on odor alone. There must be more evidence than smell for a search and potential seizure of items.

Revenue

The biggest question when it comes to cannabis legalization is the taxes and where the revenue will go. Under SB 888, the first two years of sales revenue will go to the state’s general fund. After that, 55 percent would go to a Cannabis Equity and Innovation fund. 15 percent will go to drug prevention and recovery programs. The final 30 percent would support the state’s general fund. 

Feedback 

While this is a huge step forward, lawmakers still have a long way to go. SB 888 will next move to the Finance Committee for further debate and discussion. Once approved there, it will move to a full Senate chamber vote. After that, it’s off to House committee hearings and a full house vote before going to Governor Lamont’s desk. And at any point during this process it could become tabled and discussion could end. 

However, many are saying that legalization will be inevitable, like many other states in the country are saying. Plus, two thirds of voters approve of legalization efforts. If SB 888 fails, then representatives and activists will work to put a legalization initiative on the 2022 ballot. 

Additionally, Governor Lamont is asking activists to be a part in the discussion of SB 888 as it moves forward. They have been the backbone of the effort and they deserve the credit and inclusion in the development process. Governor Lamont has been pushing for legalization since his State of the State address at the beginning of the year. 

As more news develops, we will be sure to update you with the latest. Make sure to check back for more cannabis and hemp related news.