License information. 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. Thepolicies and proceduresrelated to Public Act 21-1,An Act Concerning Responsible And Equitable Regulation Of Adult-Use Cannabis,are available ateRegulations.ct.gov. Learn more about the program and what it offers. It's the first 4/20 since CT legalized adult-use cannabis. New information regarding the moratorium is not immediately available. Yes. 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. We know that many people are excited to participate in this marketplace, whether as a business or a consumer, and we encourage adults who choose to purchase and consume these products to do so responsibly once sales begin on January 10.. Promoting safe, healthy use of cannabis by those of legal age. Since the adult use law's passage, state officials had hoped to see the new. Here is what consumers need to know about the process: Seven retail cannabis shops are expected to open Tuesday morning. Connecticut, on the other hand, has emphasized the social equity aspects of the new industry. Some other communities have put a moratorium on the decision and will wait to see how it goes before they make their decision. 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. Lamont's 2021 proposal - S.B. Michel, the state representative, said recreational sales beginning was just the beginning. Ian, who asked to be identified only by first name, said the decision was especially important to the Black community. NFL Combine 40-Yard Dash: Who Had the Fastest Time in 2023? At the same time, the Social Equity Council will be reviewing applications submitted by social equity applicants and work force development plans submitted by medical marijuana producers and dispensaries applying to convert to the recreational program. Bluepoint Wellness of Connecticut, Branford, Fine Fettle Dispensary Newington, Newington, Fine Fettle Dispensary Stamford, Stamford, Fine Fettle Dispensary Willimantic, Willimantic. Each city and town was given the opportunity to decide whether to approve or prohibit establishments from opening in their community. There are three different taxes on cannabis products in Connecticut. Visit this page for news updates from across State agencies about Adult-Use Cannabis in Connecticut. Approved hybrid retail cannabis establishments as of July 12, 2022. New York is still developing its adult-sales regulations, while Rhode Islands new law was signed in May, with sales scheduled to begin as soon as December 1. By Ginny Monk, Julia Bergman, Andrew DaRosa and Derek Turner | Feb. 11, 2022 | Updated: Jan. 11, 2023 9:16 AM Since the Connecticut legislature passed legal recreational cannabis in Connecticut in 2021, cities and towns across the state have been making decisions on how they will handle the new law. Affinity in New Haven, Bluepoint Wellness in Branford, Still River Wellness in Torrington, Fine Fettle stores in Newington, Stamford and WIllimantic, The Botanist stores in Danbury and Montville, [] Kate Nelson, the senior vice president for the Midwest and New England region at Acreage Holdings, who own The Botanist medical marijuana dispensary in Montville, said Connecticuts cannabis industry is excited to share their product with the state. PublishedJanuary 10, 2023 at 4:41 PM EST. Connecticut legalized recreational cannabis in 2021, but you won't be able to find dispensaries in the state yet, and probably won't until early next year when recreational cannabis sales are officially launched. Sign up to receive our newsletter and alerts direct to your inbox. At Southern Connecticut Wellness & Healing (SCWH) our sole aim is to assist qualified Connecticut patients with the use of medical marijuana. Yes, patients can designate caregivers if a physician approves. Date: December 16, 2021. Until then, though, Connecticut residents will slip over the border into southern Massachusetts for their cannabis supplies, bringing their revenue to the northern neighbor and nearby towns including Springfield, Boston, Easthampton, Northampton, Great Barrington and Pittsfield. After months of back-and-forth debate, the Planning and Zoning Commission voted 4-2 to prohibit recreational cannabis retailers from opening in town. WILLIMANTIC As an adult-use cannabis industry draws closer to being a reality in Connecticut, Benjamin Zacks, chief operating officer of medical marijuana dispensary Fine Fettle, said the business and social impact is too big to ignore. When he signed the law, Lamont said, For decades, the war on cannabis caused injustices and created disparities while doing little to protect public health and safety. The new law aims to correct those issues. In Stamford, Fine Fettle has been open for medical sales for over a year. 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. Connecticut Marijuana Laws. 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. As of July 1, 2021, adult-use ("recreational") cannabis is legal in Connecticut. 5389,An Act Concerning the Palliative Use of Marijuana. Medical marijuana patients 18 years old and older will be able to grow up to 3 mature and 3 immature plants at home starting October 1, 2021, with a cap of 12 total plants per household. Michel said the money collected from the tax should go toward healthcare and education, education for sure. Taxes for recreational cannabis are about 20 percent, including the 6.35 percent regular sales tax. An Act Concerning Responsible And Equitable Regulation Of Adult-Use Cannabis, The policies and procedures related to the home grow provisions of the medical marijuana program are also, What cannabis means for hemp farmers and hemp production, licensing and review process is currently underway, Buying or selling products with delta-8-THC or delta-10-THC in Connecticut. It opened the first in Willimantic and later acquired two others, which today operate in Newington and Stamford. Medical. 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. Glastonbury's moratorium, which became effective in September 2021, is set to expire on March 1, 2023. The department said that all existing medical marijuana producers have met the requirements for an expanded license that allows them to supply both the adult-use cannabis and medical marijuana markets. . 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. Tom Sparkman, First Selectman of Lisbon, said he hasnt yet heard any interest in a dispensary or a growing site yet, according to the Norwich Bulletin. (203) 488-1388. With roughly 53,000 registered medical marijuana patients, MMJ sales in Connecticut were projected to be as high as $210 million in 2022. There are a number of recreational dispensaries around the Connecticut border, mainly in Massachusetts. MAP: Medical retailers approved to sell recreational marijuana in Connecticut by CT Mirror Data December 9, 2022 @ 9:54 am Regulators said last week that approved Connecticut marijuana. Edibles vary by type and size. Stores accept cash and debit cards. As of July 1 it is legal for adults 21 years and . Fine Fettle dispensary products on display In Newington, Connecticut, Oct. 17, 2022. The state also is requiring 250,000 square feet of grow and manufacture space devoted exclusively to the adult-use market. . Recreational marijuana sales will begin in Connecticut on Jan. 10, 2023 - but with limits. 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. Up to 40 additional cannabis retailers are expected to. Social equity applicants are being reviewed for licenses as a cultivator, producer, manufacturer, food and beverage manufacturer, sales, dispensary facilities, delivery service and transporters. Ned Lamont signed the bill it into law. The town will allow cannabis retail, but not growing or manufacturing. CT med selection is bare bones, and you're super limited to like four or five suppliers. The town council passed it as a land-use ban for any type of cannabis sales or production facilities. Griswold set a one-year moratorium, which became effective in September 2021. For those considering starting a business, the licensing and review process is currently underway. Connecticut legalized cannabis in June 2021, when Gov. When Gov. 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. Are you sure you want to log out of your account? Fairfield's moratorium, which becomes effective in February, is set to last for one year. So, were thrilled," Nelson said. It is illegal to consume medical marijuana in any public place in Connecticut. 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. A six month moratorium began on Jan. 8, 2022. The sales tax for adult-use products is 20% and 3% of that goes back to the city or town where they set up their business. The department said it has notified licensed hybrid retailers that they will be allowed to begin selling cannabis products to all adults 21 and over beginning no earlier than 10 a.m., or as local zoning permits, on Tuesday, Jan. 10. With legislative approval, officials have spent two years crafting rules and regulations for the industry and for consumption. Legal Cannabis Dispensaries . They are as follows: Two of the businesses approved to open will not. These provisions are meant to help counteract decades of disproportionate arrests and prosecutions of Black people and others from communities of color. Taxes Retail Sales. New information regarding the moratorium is not immediately available. "Andover has not banned cannabis sales or farming. Recreational Marijuana. 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. I think that the members of the town council will support such a proposal. Connecticut has one of the best equity programs, with half of the licenses going to those applicants. There are no taxes for medical marijuana. State Representative David Michel, D-Stamford, was at Fine Fettle for opening day. Nine medical marijuana operators have successfully completed the steps needed to expand their businesses to include the new market for adults 21 and over. That decision could be changed once more is known about the industry in town. Previously, medical patients were required to designate a single dispensary for purchasing, however that requirement was removed October 1, 2021. Hebron's moratorium was extended until Dec. 31, 2023. According to the Hartford Courant, because this new legal pot law is unchartered territory for all of Connecticut's towns and cities, officials will be conducting extensive discussions about zoning regulations to limit where these dispensaries can be. Sales will be limited to 1/4 ounce of cannabis flower, or its equivalent, per transaction when the market opens. Guilford's moratorium has been extended until April 2023. The new state law allows recreational use of marijuana starting July 1 and will permit businesses to sell it beginning in mid-2022. The initiative is expected to generate $250 million in sales in the first year and $750 million by the fourth year. All adults will be able to grow under the same rules starting July 1, 2023. by Lisa Backus November 22, 2021, 5:00 am Workers cleaning buds at CTPharma (CTNewsJunkie / file photo) Some police are calling for the state legislature to move up the opening of cannabis. The city's Planning and Zoning Commission will take up. No, patients under the age of 18 are allowed to qualify through one of the approved medical conditions listed above. The Planning and Zoning Commission voted unanimously to adopt zoning regulations that would permit cannabis retailers and cultivators to operate in certain zones. by Erica E. Phillips December 9,. This is a carousel. Connecticuts largest municipality has reversed course and is now putting up the welcome sign for legalized cannabis businesses. Starting in 2026, they expect we'll see $125 million per year in cannabis tax revenue. Sharon's moratorium, which became effective in January 2022, was set to last for six months. 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. 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. . Regulations around retail cannabis establishments were last decided by the town on July 19, 2022. The town has delayed discussion pertaining to cannabis establishments. As of June 14, 2021, the town had not placed a moratorium or ban on adult-use cannabis businesses. For those considering starting a business, the licensing and review process is currently underway. Yes, you can petition the Commissioner of Consumer Protection via its Board of Physicians. Learn more about adult-use cannabis in Connecticut here. 2022. The planning and zoning commission will likely take the issue up formally in 2022, Jeremy Ginsberg, director of land use said. I look at it as the beginning of the end of the war on drugs, Michel said. The six month moratorium, which began Aug. 19, will only apply to adult-use retail establishments, and wont pertain to other cannabis facilities, such as medical dispensaries or cultivators. However, due to high demand, the state Department of Consumer Protection warned that it may be a challenge, especially shortly after initial openings. Existing medical marijuana producers can go into adult-use retail for $3 million, as well. All rights reserved, licensed hybrid retailers that they will be allowed to begin selling cannabis products, Together We Grow': Businesses Prepare for Legal Recreational Cannabis Sales, Low-Level Cannabis Possession Convictions Are Set to Be Cleared for Thousands in CT. NFL Combine 40-Yard Dash: Who Had the Fastest Time in 2023? Patients in the Medical Marijuana Program may purchase up to five ounces per month. "This industry is going to create more than 10,000 jobs over the next couple of years, and hundreds of millions in new revenue that will be reinvested in the communities most hard hit by the war on drugs," Adam Wood, president of the Connecticut Cannabis Chamber of Commerce, said in a statement. Some haulers caught, Arming guidance counselors? Updated: Nov 11, 2022 / 07:34 AM EST. listeners, viewers, and readers like you who value fact-based journalism and trustworthy information. The state also is standing out for a focus on social equity before the Connecticut recreational cannabis market even opens. Connecticut is the 20th state to allow dispensaries to sell the drug for recreational use. "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. 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 . If you do want to logout, please click "Logout". On June 22, 2021, Governor Lamont signed Senate Bill 1201 that legalized recreational cannabis. Recreational pot will go on sale in CT Jan. 10 After 18 months, Connecticut regulators have set a date for the adult-use weed market to open for business. The town moratorium has been extended until April 30, 2023. for an in-depth breakdown on accepted qualifying conditions. Planning and Zoning Commission amended regulations to allow for cannabis establishments. 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. Retail sales of recreational cannabis are expected to begin some time in 2022. Aug 31, 2022 at 6:00 am. (WTNH) - Recreational marijuana sales in Connecticut start exactly two weeks from today. 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. Beginning July 1, all adults in Connecticut can grow the same number of plants. Ten to 15 percent of the tax is based on the THC content of the product. It will be interesting to see the kind of partnering up that will be going on, Smith said. Copyright 2023 NBCUniversal Media, LLC. New information regarding the moratorium is not immediately available. 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. Two to four vape cartridges, which come in .5 mL and 1 mL sizes. Over the next six months, the department will continue to review and approve medical marijuana preservation plans and provisional license applications, as well as conduct additional lottery rounds, said Michelle Seagull, commissioner of the state Department of Consumer Protection. He was hired in September 2020 as the managing editor of the Danbury News-Times and sports. The citys planning and zoning commission voted on areas where a marijuana grower or a marijuana seller can set up shop in Derby. The law was amended by Public Act 22-103, An Act Concerning Cannabis, in May 2022. He previously worked at the Hartford Courant as the sports editor and the deputy managing editor. Westport's ban excludes medical dispensaries. The town is taking a "wait and see" approach to cannabis retail. BRISTOL, Conn. (WTNH) - The city of Bristol is preparing plans for recreational marijuana sales but not all residents are happy about it. Burlington's moratorium expired Sept. 8, 2022. Jan. 10, 2023, at 7:54 a.m. Legal Recreational Marijuana Sales Start in Connecticut. A moratorium expired June 15, 2022. "We know that many people are excited to participate in this marketplace . Dispensaries for medical cannabis have been open since of 2014. CT proposal causes confusion, concern, RISE, formerly known as Bluepoint Wellness of Connecticut, Branford, Zen Leaf, formerly known as Willow Brook Wellness, Meriden. The state is now considering applications for retail outlets and have made a focused effort to invite people from minority communities called social equity candidates to apply for a recreational cannabis retail license. Individuals may possess up to 1.5 oz, with an additional 5 oz locked in a home or car. Bethany's Planning and Zoning Commission announced in October 2022 that it has drafted regulations to allow for a cannabis establishment in town. Patients must become qualified by a Connecticut-licensed physician who recommends medical cannabis to treat one or more state-approved qualifying conditions. to learn more about the petition process. "We . Ginny Monk ginny.monk@hearstmediact.com @GinnyMonk, Julia Bergman julia.bergman@hearstmediact.com @JuliaSBergman, Lindsay Boyle lindsay.boyle@hearstmediact.com @LindsayABoyle, Mike Pignataro mpignataro@stamfordadvocate.com, Andrew DaRosa andrew.darosa@hearstmediact.com @AndyDaRosa17, Derek Turner derek.turner@hearstmediact.com @DTurnerMedia. 2012: Connecticut becomes the 17th state to allow medical use of marijuana. Connecticut has legalized it but recreational dispensaries aren't yet open. That's a lot of people but I still don't think it's enough. The state plans to award half of all initial cannabis retail licenses to social equity applicants. Medical marijuana patients can grow up to three mature and three immature plants. 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. In November of 2021, the East Hartford Planning & Zoning Commission approved zoning regulations pertaining to retail sales and production of cannabis. The number of retailers and micro-cultivators permitted in East Hartford will be limited based on the town's population.