Dispensaries for medical cannabis have been open since of 2014. Connecticut's first retail recreational cannabis sales are scheduled for Tuesday, Jan. 10. I look at it as the beginning of the end of the war on drugs, Michel said. At the store, early on, there is expected to be a bit of a wait with higher demand. /. For years, state officials wrestled with the idea of creating a retail cannabis industry, first starting with a medical marijuana program. recreational cannabis establishments starting to open around the state, prohibits the sale of marijuana in Milford. The vote came the day before recreational cannabis sales began in the state. However, it should be noted that because cannabis has not been legalized on a national level, it is illegal to bring it over the state line, according to the Cannabis Control Commission of Massachusetts. Connecticut Marijuana Laws. Old Saybrook's moratorium was scheduled to expire at the end of May 2022. listeners, viewers, and readers like you who value fact-based journalism and trustworthy information. It opened the first in Willimantic and later acquired two others, which today operate in Newington and Stamford. 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. The DCP will hold two lotteries for each license type: a social equity lottery and a general lottery. North Branford's moratorium is set to last for one year and became effective in October 2021. 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. 2012: Connecticut becomes the 17th state to allow medical use of marijuana. 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. Registered medical marijuana patients are allowed to consume cannabis in their own homes or on private property. They cannot be in the shape of an animal or in a shape that children may find appealing. Delivery service companies are also being established in the state, but not yet open. The moratorium would give the Planning and Zoning Commission time to establish regulations. Directions. 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. They are as follows: Two of the businesses approved to open will not. Copyright 2023 NBCUniversal Media, LLC. The town moratorium has been extended until April 30, 2023. 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. For those considering starting a business, the licensing and review process is currently underway. Ledyard's current moratorium expired in December 2022. Suffield's PZC is in the process of drafting regulations for retailers and cultivators, the Journal Inquirer reported. Cookie Notice At home it can be used, although landlords have the right to prohibit smoking and vaping. Waterford Planning and Zoning Commission voted in favor of banning the sale of recreational cannabis in town. Cannabis Jobs & Marijuana Career Services, New Study Looks Into Cannabis Treatment for Parkinsons Disease, Neil Youngs Honesty About Cannabis Use Could Keep Him From Becoming An American Citizen, Marijuana on the Ballot: These States May Legalize Recreational Marijuana, Thailand Legal Medical Marijuana A First For Southeast Asia, Cannabis Workouts: More People Choosing to Exercise While High, Cannabis Not a Gateway Drug, New Study Finds, Another Study Finds Connection Between Legal Cannabis and Reduced Opioid Use, How High Can You Get? Beyond that, it is up to individual stores to decide what they want to offer. I think that we should have broadened the criteria for expungement by far.. There are no taxes for medical marijuana. Date: December 10, 2021 MONTVILLE, Conn. -- Connecticut's first round of recreational cannabis sales for adults 21 and older kicked off Tuesday at seven existing medical marijuana establishments across the state, less than two years after Gov. Sign up to receive our newsletter and alerts direct to your inbox. Nine dispensaries in Connecticut opened their doors Tuesday to make the first sales of recreational marijuana to adults aged 21 or older. Taxes Retail Sales. And starting Friday, folks who have criminal records for possessing four ounces or less can petition the court for the erasure of criminal records, which is a huge step.. Bluepoint Wellness of Connecticut, Branford, Fine Fettle Dispensary Newington, Newington, Fine Fettle Dispensary Stamford, Stamford, Fine Fettle Dispensary Willimantic, Willimantic. This is a carousel. A Connecticut native and Stamford High School graduate, Ken graduated with a journalism degree from Ohio University, where he was also most-valuable player on its soccer team. New information regarding the moratorium is not immediately available. The state of Connecticut has quietly put together a recreational cannabis market where retail sales could begin before the end of 2022. The Curaleaf Hartford site opened . The Northeast is poised to transform the U.S. cannabis industry and make New York City the nation's weed capital. 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. Home growers are currently not allowed to do so. 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. In Stamford, Fine Fettle has been open for medical sales for over a year. Connecticuts largest municipality has reversed course and is now putting up the welcome sign for legalized cannabis businesses. Some municipalities outright banned legal cannabis businesses in their town, while others passed a moratorium to give local leaders more time to study and create regulations.With recreational cannabis establishments starting to open around the state, some towns are beginning to revisit their moratoriums. FAQs Is marijuana legal in Connecticut? New information regarding the moratorium is not immediately available. All Rights Reserved. The town is taking a "wait and see" approach to cannabis retail. It's bringing this from the black market to a legal market that can be regulated, monitored, and that's creating tax generation.. Thepolicies and proceduresrelated to Public Act 21-1,An Act Concerning Responsible And Equitable Regulation Of Adult-Use Cannabis,are available ateRegulations.ct.gov. Stores accept cash and debit cards. 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. Dispensaries are getting ready to welcome more customers . Get all the facts on the new law. Zoning regulations have been established for cannabis establishments. At Southern Connecticut Wellness & Healing (SCWH) our sole aim is to assist qualified Connecticut patients with the use of medical marijuana. The state plans to expand the number of stores later in the year. Connecticut legalized cannabis in June 2021, when Gov. Are you sure you want to log out of your account? 2022. 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. 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. 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. View menu. CT recreational pot sales will start within months, regulators say Sale of recreational marijuana in CT depends on all four existing medical marijuana producers or additional cultivation to. State regulators currently anticipate retail sales of adult-use marijuana will begin by the end of 2022. Weve carefully crafted a securely regulated market that prioritizes public health, public safety, social justice and equity.. 888 would legalize possession up to one . . 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. . Consumer Protection Reminds Adults 21+ Who Purchase Cannabis to Use Products Responsibly, Adult-Use Cannabis and Medical Marijuana Sales Surpass $13.3 million in January. 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. To qualify as a caregiver, you must be: If the qualifying patient lacks legal capacity, you must be the patients parent, guardian or other person having legal custody of the patient. The first day of recreational sales came just over a week after Lamont erased more than 40,000 cannabis convictions. No, patients under the age of 18 are allowed to qualify through one of the approved medical conditions listed above. But it's likely that many more will open in 2023 and beyond. Daniel Figueroa IV Dec. 2, 2022 Updated: Jan. 9, 2023 11:57 a.m. 5 State Commissioner of the Department of Consumer Protection Michelle Seagull in a 2020 file photo. An award-winning freelance reporter/host for WSHU, Brian lives in southeastern Connecticut and covers stories for WSHU across the Eastern side of the state. Updated: Dec 28, 2022 / 03:41 AM EST. License information. Ned. So, gummy bears are out. In November of 2021, the East Hartford Planning & Zoning Commission approved zoning regulations pertaining to retail sales and production of cannabis. In the same vain, only white-colored packaging is allowed nothing flashy and specific warning labels are required. For those considering starting a business, the licensing and review process is currently underway. Licensing Requirements, Timelines, and Selection Processes The first Connecticut cannabis license application period for each license type will open for a period of 90 days beginning in March 2022. However, due to high demand, the state Department of Consumer Protection warned that it may be a challenge, especially shortly after initial openings. No, patients under the age of 18 are allowed to qualify through one of the approved medical conditions listed above. A worker displayed fresh cannabis flower buds, in a 2019 file photo. New information regarding the moratorium is not immediately available. In July 2021, the city said it would not regulate cannabis any different than cigarettes, but it open to public comments. CORRECTS IDENTIFICATION TO LYNN GOLDSTEIN FROM LAURA BASS WRIGHT - Lynn Goldstein of Norwich, Conn, left, is . Please visit PotGuides Connecticutlegal pagefor an in-depth breakdown on accepted qualifying conditions. Starting in 2026, they expect we'll see $125 million per year in cannabis tax revenue. CT proposal causes confusion, concern. A full year into Connecticuts legalization of adult-use cannabis, the state has yet to reap a single tax dollar from sales of recreational marijuana. Connecticut has one of the best equity programs, with half of the licenses going to those applicants. Some people say that cannabis workouts led to better results because they can increase their focus and their ability to isolate the muscles that get the most work. While transporting, the cannabis needs to be stored in a locked glovebox or the trunk. Your donation today will allow us to continue this work on your behalf. A standard-sized brownie or cookie can be the equivalent of .08 grams of cannabis flower. The state of Connecticut has quietly put together a recreational cannabis market where retail sales could begin before the end of 2022. Trumbull's moratorium has been extended into 2023. A public hearing is scheduled in March to solicit feedback on a proposal to impose a six-month moratorium. Ned Lamont and the Connecticut General Assembly approved the law legalizing recreational cannabis in 2021, they made a point of ensuring the law address social equity issues. Previously, medical patients were required to designate a single dispensary for purchasing, however that requirement was removed October 1, 2021. Dec 09, 2022 at 9:02 am. 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. The moratorium will buy time for the town to better understand the state's legislation and also learn what other states are doing. This retailer stands with the Black Community Learn more or contribute now. After briefly considering a six-month moratorium, the Zoning Commission voted unanimously in late March to allow recreational marijuana sales and cannabis production facilities within the town limits. Visit this page for news updates from across State agencies about Adult-Use Cannabis in Connecticut. Privacy Policy. Curaleaf Hartford, located at 92 Weston St, is the Company's second dispensary to serve adult-use consumers in Connecticut and the first dispensary in the capital city to offer adult-use products . 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. Please visit PotGuides Connecticut. Voters overwhelmingly approved an ordinance prohibiting marijuana businesses in town. After months of back-and-forth debate, the Planning and Zoning Commission voted 4-2 to prohibit recreational cannabis retailers from opening in town. Annual sales could exceed $375 million next year, according to the 2022 MJBiz Factbook. The town adopted a moratorium on May 1, 2022 and it lasts until April 30, 2023. It will be interesting to see the kind of partnering up that will be going on, Smith said. In-store purchases only. Edibles vary by size, but they cannot exceed 5 milligrams of THC, according to state regulation. Bristol has adopted a similar policy. Medical marijuana paraphernalia and other products are displayed inside the Fine Fettle dispensary in Newington, Connecticut, on Oct. 17, 2022. New York, New Jersey and Connecticut with a . Date: September 15, 2021. Qualified patients can possess up to 3 ounces per month. 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. Dispensary facilities that have been approved by the Department and that have converted to hybrid retailers may open to the general public and commence adult use cannabis sales at a date to be published on the Department's website. 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. Sales have started in Connecticut and possession of 1.5 oz of cannabis is now legal. State officials are still setting up the legal system for. Up to 40 additional cannabis retailers are expected to. A plan to allow recreational cannabis dispensaries and production facilities has been endorsed by the Common Council's zoning subcommittee. 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. Despite opposition from some residents, the town planning and zoning commission voted to amend zoning rules to allow recreational marijuana stores and cultivation facilities in certain parts of town. Developed to make sure the adult-use cannabis program is grown equitably and ensure funds are brought back to the communities hit hardest by the "war on drugs.". Planning and development unanimously approved a moratorium on adult-use cannabis sales on Nov. 24, 2021. Ten to 15 percent of the tax is based on the THC content of the product. Yes, you can petition the Commissioner of Consumer Protection via its Board of Physicians. Connecticut Public. "Andover has not banned cannabis sales or farming. 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. Beginning July 1, all adults in Connecticut can grow the same number of plants. Michel said the money collected from the tax should go toward healthcare and education, education for sure. Granby's moratorium is set to expire Aug. 31, 2023. By Ayah Galal Published : Dec. 29, 2022 at 3:18 PM EST | Updated : Dec. 29, 2022 at 7:19 . 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. . He previously worked at the Hartford Courant as the sports editor and the deputy managing editor. While the SEC efforts are moving forward, state officials still say they need to complete work on the entire cannabis supply chain. We hope their support inspires you to donate so that we can continue telling stories that inform, educate, and inspire you and your neighbors. 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. As many as 40 more retailers, along with dozens of other marijuana-related businesses, could open . Danbury has approved recreational pot establishments. The long-awaited start of cannabis retails sales will begin in Connecticut Tuesday as seven stores across the state open their doors. Stores are expected in 2023. They still have a lot to do, with lots of applications for small licenses. 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. You can get a 50$ oz of some fine mids or a 100$ oz of good good tree, and the option is there. New information regarding the moratorium is not immediately available. There are a number of recreational dispensaries around the Connecticut border, mainly in Massachusetts. The ordinance would not allow a recreational cannabis retailer within 500 feet of any school, municipal park, municipal recreational facility or library. The towns Planning Commission unanimously voted to recommend the ban last only six months. . 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. Sign up for news alerts to be informed when the next lottery application period is announced. Regulations around retail cannabis establishments were last decided by the town on July 19, 2022. The policies and procedures related to the home grow provisions of the medical marijuana program are also available at eRegulations.ct.gov. The state plans to award half of all initial cannabis retail licenses to social equity applicants. Fairfield's moratorium, which becomes effective in February, is set to last for one year. This includes licensing on in-state retail locations, testing labs, and growers. . 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. Home Grow Possession Key Dates. Learn more about the program and what it offers. New information regarding the moratorium is not immediately available. With roughly 53,000 registered medical marijuana patients, MMJ sales in Connecticut were projected to be as high as $210 million in 2022. Ginny Monk [email protected] @GinnyMonk, Julia Bergman [email protected] @JuliaSBergman, Lindsay Boyle [email protected] @LindsayABoyle, Mike Pignataro [email protected], Andrew DaRosa [email protected] @AndyDaRosa17, Derek Turner [email protected] @DTurnerMedia. Now Zachs is preparing to use Fine Fettle to tap into the state's 2.4 million population who is 21 and . On Friday, state regulators announced that nine existing medical dispensaries can add recreational sales. NFL Combine 40-Yard Dash: Who Had the Fastest Time in 2023? The law was amended by Public Act 22-103, An Act Concerning Cannabis, in May 2022. Curbside pickup. 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. Open until 7:00pm. He reported on suburban communities and Bridgeport City Hall, then in 1994 began covering the State Capitol and state government. CT med selection is bare bones, and you're super limited to like four or five suppliers. Give today at any amount and join the 50,000 members who are Transaction limits will be reviewed over time. In fact, we've gone the other way, and we're actively recruiting cannabis businesses in the town," Eric Anderson, the Town Administrator, said. See something we missed? Oxford has set an 18-month moratorium on "retail sales, manufacture, and cultivation" of cannabis. Delivery is available by store. HUSKY Health is helping immigrants. Bozrah Planning & Zoning Commission approved regulations allowing Cultivator and Micro-cultivator Cannabis Establishments in the I-80 and I30 zoning districts, but clarifying that Cannabis Establishments other than Cultivators and Micro-cultivators are prohibited. There are about 50,000 registered medical marijuana patients in Connecticut. With legislative approval, officials have spent two years crafting rules and regulations for the industry and for consumption. and our 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. Recreational marijuana is already sold in Massachusetts. Norwich is openly welcoming the industry. . Griswold set a one-year moratorium, which became effective in September 2021. The town council passed it as a land-use ban for any type of cannabis sales or production facilities. "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. Fine Fettle dispensary products on display In Newington, Connecticut, Oct. 17, 2022. That means while state officials hope to launch retail sales by the end of 2022, they have not yet set an exact date. New information regarding the moratorium is not immediately available. Lamont's 2021 proposal - S.B. Is CT recycling going into the trash? We will be putting together a draft ordinance that, if adopted, will ban smoking cannabis in public spaces. New Fairfield's moratorium, which became effective in November 2021, was set to last for one year. This news story is funded in large part by Connecticut Publics Members 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. Storefront. He is a graduate of Southern Connecticut State University. BRISTOL, Conn. (WTNH) - The city of Bristol is preparing plans for recreational marijuana sales but not all residents are happy about it. Here is what consumers need to know about the process: Seven retail cannabis shops are expected to open Tuesday morning. All adults over age 21 will be able to grow under the same rules starting July 1, 2023. However, a public hearing has been called for January 12, 2023, to discuss modifications to the moratorium. Two more medical marijuana dispensaries, in Danbury and Torrington, are expected to begin serving recreational cannabis customers soon. He still enjoys playing soccer, and is a member of a rock 'n' roll band. New Jerseys recent shift to adult-use recreational sales took the same path, Smith noted.