Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont (D) spoke over the weekend about the House’s decision to move his cannabis bill to a special session. 

“We got to the most comprehensive bill in the country four months ago—a couple hundred pages,” Governor Lamont said about his initial bill, SB 888. He introduced it in February. “We know how to do this on a safe, regulated basis for adults. We know how to de-commercialize it, which is so important, and I think it’s time to vote. If you can’t vote this week, vote early next week, but vote.”

SB 1118

Governor Lamont introduced SB 1118 after weeks of negotiations with lawmakers. It offers more social equity measures than SB 888 offered, which was a concern among Democratic leaders. They even said they would vote against SB 888 because of its lack of social equity. 

Under this bill, citizens 21 and over would be allowed to purchase and consume up to 1.5 ounces of recreational cannabis at one time. Home cultivation would also be allowed, first for medical cannabis patients, and then eventually for recreational cannabis consumers. Legal sales would be expected to start in mid-2022. A majority of sales tax revenue would go towards community reinvestment, to help those who had been oppressed or harmed by the unsuccessful war on drugs. 

Lawmaker Votes

After SB 1118 launched, the Senate discussed and voted on the measure. It almost died, with a final vote of 19-17 in favor. Then it moved on to the House. But the bill only had a few days to pass before the regular legislative session ended.

With Republican lawmakers threatening to conduct a filibuster to run out the clock, like both Alabama and Nebraska saw this year, House Speaker Matt Ritter (D) decided to move SB 1118 to a special session. Then the bill could be discussed in full and have a better potential of passing. 

The approval vote from the Senate effectively died along with SB 1118 after it didn’t pass in the regular session. Now a similar bill will need to be reintroduced in the special session of the Connecticut Congress for them to debate and vote on.

Future

The Connecticut special session for recreational cannabis legalization is set to begin this Wednesday June 16th. When asked about whether or not he would be disappointed if a cannabis bill doesn’t make it to his desk, Governor Lamont said, “I will be. Pass the bill. Let’s go. Vote on it and pass it.”

As more information becomes available about the Connecticut special session, we will be sure to update you with the latest. 

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