The Planning and Zoning Commission voted unanimously to adopt zoning regulations that would permit cannabis retailers and cultivators to operate in certain zones. All rights reserved, Lawsuits Challenge Connecticut's Social Equity Process, These 2 College Friends Pawned Watches and Cars to Fund Their Cannabis StartupIt Could Bring in $400 Million This Year, Face the Facts: Where the Licensing Process for Recreational Cannabis in Conn. New laws in CT 2023: Recreational marijuana, Mileage tax Please read the articles below for more details, and check back regularly for updates. Even then, not all towns in Connecticut have approved dispensaries opening within their borders. Legal marijuana in Connecticut: A timeline Beverages are allowed, but can only come in single servings. Governor Ned Lamont passed a bill that legalized cannabis in 2021. Connecticut Cannabis Establishment License - How to apply Cannabis establishmets are permitted by Special Exception Application. "People are . Home Grow Possession Key Dates. 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. Dec 09, 2022 at 9:02 am. And, especially early on, expect longer lines and perhaps traffic in the area. . 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. This news story is funded in large part by Connecticut Publics Members Each municipality has the ability to set its own rules for when it comes to public consumption. Connecticut's first retail recreational cannabis sales will begin as soon as Jan. 10 State officials are still setting up the legal system for. Still, to this point, the Connecticut recreational cannabis market already provides for diverse business ownership, decriminalizes possession, and has been marked by little of the drama that plagued other states. 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. 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. No, there is no medical marijuana reciprocity in Connecticut. ", "We're in a state where education is very linked to property tax," he said. Regulations around retail cannabis establishments were last decided by the town on July 19, 2022. The ordinance would not allow a recreational cannabis retailer within 500 feet of any school, municipal park, municipal recreational facility or library. Connecticut towns face question: Once recreational marijuana is legal The rule is designed to ensure that adequate cannabis product is available for Connecticut medical marijuana patients. A February 2023 meeting is scheduled to look at a proposal for new zoning regulations. Updated: Dec 28, 2022 / 03:41 AM EST. Sharon's moratorium, which became effective in January 2022, was set to last for six months. . Recreational Marijuana. 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. Edibles vary by type and size. (203) 488-1388. Planning and Zoning Commission amended regulations to allow for cannabis establishments. Bluepoint Wellness of Branford - Branford, Connecticut - Weedmaps "We have bits and pieces of the area in everything that we cook here," says Tuckerbox owner Jackie Oktay. 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. Beyond that, it is up to individual stores to decide what they want to offer. Recreational cannabis for adults was legalized in Connecticut over a year ago and the state is getting closer to allowing retail locations to open. Retail stores are banned from selling recreational cannabis. Stands. In July 2021, the state decriminalized cannabis, allowing adults to possess 1.5 ounces legally and up to five ounces in a locked container at home. Ned Lamont signed Senate Bill 1201 into law. Smith said that the $3 million needed to become a cultivator is an incredibly high amount, necessitating a well-funded financial, likely corporate, backer. 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"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. NFL Combine 40-Yard Dash: Who Had the Fastest Time in 2023? The state has released details on which communities will have reported zoning changes and will allow recreational marijuana and which will not. Rino Ferrarese, executive vice president of Verano Holdings North Region, is photographed in a propagation room where Lemon Cherry Gelato cannabis plants are developing roots at the CTPharma cultivation facility in Rocky Hill, Connecticut, on December 13, 2022. Waterford Planning and Zoning Commission voted in favor of banning the sale of recreational cannabis in town. 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. But it's likely that many more will open in 2023 and beyond. Is CT recycling going into the trash? 2012: Connecticut becomes the 17th state to allow medical use of marijuana. Retail dispensaries are expected to open mid-2022, but are not currently open at this time. A moratorium expired June 15, 2022. Medical. However, a public hearing has been called for January 12, 2023, to discuss modifications to the moratorium. As soon as it became a multi-billion dollar industry, all these congressmen switched over and started to push things forward, people like Boehner now all of a sudden it's big business. 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. Danbury has approved recreational pot establishments. On Friday, state regulators announced that nine existing medical dispensaries can add recreational sales. After months of back-and-forth debate, the Planning and Zoning Commission voted 4-2 to prohibit recreational cannabis retailers from opening in town. While we hope there will be no disruption or inconvenience to patients, it is always best to be prepared, DCP Commissioner Michelle H. Seagull said in a statement. The law was amended by Public Act 22-103, An Act Concerning Cannabis, in May 2022. Recreational marijuana became legal in Connecticut on July 1, 2021, and retail sales are slated to begin soon. Long lines formed early in the morning outside of dispensaries: Today marks a turning point in the injustices caused by the war on drugs, most notably now that there is a legal alternative to the dangerous, unregulated, underground market for cannabis sales, Lamont said in a statement. 02/28/2022 04:30 AM EST. The town's Planning and Zoning chair said opening an adult-use cannabis dispensary in Chaplin is unlikely, so the board would not take any action. Visit the DCP websiteto learn more about the petition process. In fact, we've gone the other way, and we're actively recruiting cannabis businesses in the town," Eric Anderson, the Town Administrator, said. New information regarding the moratorium is not immediately available. Stores accept cash and debit cards. Bristol adopted rules and regulations on adult-use cannabis in the city on August 10, 2022. 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. Previously, medical patients were required to designate a single dispensary for purchasing, however that requirement was removed October 1, 2021. Open until 7:00pm. MAP: These CT pot dispensaries will sell recreational weed starting Jan. 10 Bristol considering hybrid model for medical and recreational cannabis 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. The recreational cannabis market in Connecticut is anticipated to open in the spring of 2022, according to MJBizDaily. The state also has a medical marijuana program for qualifying patients, which was passed into law under House Bill No. So, gummy bears are out. Retail will most likely follow the same rules that currently exists for alcoholic beverage sales with appropriate separation distances to impacted land uses such as churches, playgrounds, etc. Glastonbury's moratorium, which became effective in September 2021, is set to expire on March 1, 2023. The 9 cannabis dispensaries ready for retail sales in Connecticut, according to the state Weed is legal and nine dispensaries have completed the licensing process, the state said. 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. 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. 888 would legalize possession up to one . The SEC already has approved 16 applicants for the first group of cannabis growers in Connecticut, according to the Hartford Courant. Rhode Island Marijuana Dispensaries & Recreational Cannabis - Weedmaps . Planning and development unanimously approved a moratorium on adult-use cannabis sales on Nov. 24, 2021. Connecticut legalized adult-use cannabis last year, but it's still unclear when. Michel, the state representative, said recreational sales beginning was just the beginning. 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That means while state officials hope to launch retail sales by the end of 2022, they have not yet set an exact date. Where does CT's pot industry stand for its first fully legal 420? "Andover has not banned cannabis sales or farming. We will be putting together a draft ordinance that, if adopted, will ban smoking cannabis in public spaces. It will be interesting to see the kind of partnering up that will be going on, Smith said. 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. First adult-use recreational cannabis sales to begin in Connecticut in No, patients under the age of 18 are allowed to qualify through one of the approved medical conditions listed above. Key Dates - CT.gov Study Shows Theres a Limit, Train police officers in the latest techniques of detecting and preventing impaired driving, Expunging criminal records of people convicted of certain cannabis crimes, Directing new funding to prevention and recovery services that help prevent cannabis use by minors. Until at least the end of 2022, retail sales will not be possible. Consumption is banned everywhere smoking cigarettes is banned, in addition to health care facilities including psychiatric hospitals, and areas in or around an establishment with a liquor license (such as outdoor seating at bars and restaurants). On June 22, 2021, Governor Lamont signed Senate Bill 1201 that legalized recreational cannabis. Connecticut legalized cannabis in June 2021, when Gov. Since October 1, 2021, medical marijuana patients have been able to cultivate a maximum of 12 plants per household, including 3 mature plants and 3 immature plants. A Special Meeting on "adult recreational marijuana" was held Aug. 11, 2022. 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. Out here in CO there are dozens of flower providers, and edibles, and concentrates. New information regarding the moratorium is not immediately available. Granby's moratorium is set to expire Aug. 31, 2023. He reported on suburban communities and Bridgeport City Hall, then in 1994 began covering the State Capitol and state government. Joe Amon. "Redding has not banned or instituted a moratorium on cannabis businesses," First Selectman Julia Pemberton said on Jan. 27. Updated: Sep 13, 2022 / 03:31 AM EDT. Cannabis sales to adults in Connecticut can begin next week, according to the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection. Molly is a reporter covering Fairfield County. That decision could be changed once more is known about the industry in town. For those considering starting a business, the licensing and review process is currently underway. Two more medical marijuana dispensaries, in Danbury and Torrington, are expected to begin serving recreational cannabis customers soon. Weve carefully crafted a securely regulated market that prioritizes public health, public safety, social justice and equity.. 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. Please be aware that there are also very specificadvertising guidelinesfor businesses who intend to participate in the retail sale of cannabis. Governor Ned Lamont passed a bill that legalized cannabis in 2021. Griswold set a one-year moratorium, which became effective in September 2021. He has won awards from the National Society of Professional Journalists and the National Press Club; several awards from the National Society of Newspaper Columnists; and numerous awards for news and column-writing from the state chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists. Connecticut Inches Toward Recreational Cannabis; Sales Expected to CT proposal causes confusion, concern. . Learn more about how and when to apply for a cannabis establishment license. I think that even most proponents of allowing sale of marijuana here think it shouldnt be allowed in public spaces," Mayor Joe Kilduff said to the Bristol Press. 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. The Planning and Zoning Commission adopted a one-year moratorium April 1, 2022 on the acceptance of applications and the use of land or buildings for adult-use cannabis businesses. Connecticut's first retail recreational cannabis sales are scheduled for Tuesday, Jan. 10. Connecticut is the 20th state to allow dispensaries to sell the drug for recreational use. The state also has a medical marijuana program for qualifying patients. The initiative is expected to generate $250 million in sales in the first year and $750 million by the fourth year. Hamden's moratorium was extended by three months in November 2022. Ken Dixon is a reporter with Hearst Connecticut Media Group. Fairfield's moratorium, which becomes effective in February, is set to last for one year. CT Recreational Cannabis Sales Start Jan. 10 The council forwarded the names to the states consumer protection officials for a background check. Up to 40 additional cannabis retailers are expected to. Open now Order online. The state of Connecticut has quietly put together a recreational cannabis market where retail sales could begin before the end of 2022. Recreational marijuana sales in Bristol stir debate Click "read more" and tell us in the form below. Nine of Connecticut's existing medical marijuana retailers will be able to sell to recreational marijuana beginning Jan. 10, the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection said on Friday. CT proposal causes confusion, concern, RISE, formerly known as Bluepoint Wellness of Connecticut, Branford, Zen Leaf, formerly known as Willow Brook Wellness, Meriden. Walk-ins welcome on a first . These provisions are meant to help counteract decades of disproportionate arrests and prosecutions of Black people and others from communities of color. 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. Despite a flurry of recent efforts in New York's adult-use market, Connecticut is poised to be first to start. A standard-sized brownie or cookie can be the equivalent of .08 grams of cannabis flower. Yes. When Gov. The town moratorium has been extended until April 30, 2023. All adults over age 21 will be able to grow under the same rules starting July 1, 2023. The number of retailers and micro-cultivators permitted in East Hartford will be limited based on the town's population. Medical marijuana patients may grow up to 3 mature and 3 immature plants at home starting October 1, 2021, with a cap of 12 total plants per household. Get all the facts on the new law. It's the first 4/20 since CT legalized adult-use cannabis. Norwich is openly welcoming the industry. Zoning regulations have been established for cannabis establishments. Lawmakers approved the Connecticut recreational cannabis market in June 2021. 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. Legal Recreational Marijuana Sales Start in Connecticut - US News The ban on marijuana sales was enacted before the state's adult-use law was passed. There are no taxes for medical marijuana. Daniel Figueroa IV Dec. 2, 2022 Updated: Jan. 9, 2023 11:57 a.m. 5 Municipal facilities were also not included. The only stores opening now were previously operating as medical marijuana dispensaries and are able to convert their facilities. In Stamford, Fine Fettle has been open for medical sales for over a year. Since the adult use law's passage, state officials had hoped to see the new. 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.". Marijuana has been legal in CT for a year, but still not for sale Learn more about adult-use cannabis in Connecticut here. In a unanimous vote, the Town Council imposed a temporary moratorium on recreational cannabis sales at the councils Monday meeting on Jan. 9. New information regarding the moratorium is not immediately available. She also produces Long Story Short, a podcast exploring public policy issues across Connecticut. A CT bill would expand it. 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. If you do want to logout, please click "Logout". While transporting, the cannabis needs to be stored in a locked glovebox or the trunk. Visit this page for news updates from across State agencies about Adult-Use Cannabis in Connecticut. Is CT recycling going into the trash? 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. In November of 2021, the East Hartford Planning & Zoning Commission approved zoning regulations pertaining to retail sales and production of cannabis. New information regarding the moratorium is not immediately available. There are 54,000 medical marijuana patients in Connecticut, according to government data. The town set a moratorium, which expires on June 8, 2023. Connecticut sets Jan. 10 launch for recreational cannabis sales state legalized recreational marijuana and opened the door to pot sales in Connecticut by the end of 2022. . The moratorium would give the Planning and Zoning Commission time to establish regulations. Carjacking Suspect Seriously Injured in Crash Involving 5 Other Vehicles in Waterbury, Passenger on Plane Diverted to Bradley Airport Dies, Hartford Hospital's Transplant Team Saves Lives Every Day, NBC & Telemundo Connecticut Job Opportunities. Connecticut's first round of retail cannabis sales for adults 21 and older began Tuesday at seven existing medical marijuana establishments across the state, less than two years after Gov. Hebron's moratorium was extended until Dec. 31, 2023. Copyright 2015-2023 dispensaries.com. The towns Planning Commission unanimously voted to recommend the ban last only six months. The town does not currently have a moratorium or a ban, the town's land use coordinator said. So, were thrilled," Nelson said. When Will CT Cannabis Retail Sales Start: 5 Things To Know If you aren't interested in smoking or vaping, you can turn to edibles. Hartford's first adult-use cannabis dispensary opened for business this morning, bringing the state's number of stores selling recreational marijuana to 12. Groton's ban became effective in November 2021. Patients in the Medical Marijuana Program may purchase up to five ounces per month. With roughly 53,000 registered medical marijuana patients, MMJ sales in Connecticut were projected to be as high as $210 million in 2022. 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, [] We've got 50,000 people's records expunged. State officials announced Friday that licensed hybrid retailers may begin selling cannabis products to all adults 21 and older starting on Jan. 10, 2023. 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. Watch Live at 7:00 PM: The U.S. and the Holocaust, a film by Ken Burns | Screening & Panel Discussion . See the full list below. PublishedJanuary 10, 2023 at 4:41 PM EST. Bethany's Planning and Zoning Commission announced in October 2022 that it has drafted regulations to allow for a cannabis establishment in town. 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. These Connecticut towns will now allow recreational marijuana sales "Our team has done a phenomenal job in making sure were ready for this.. The revised ordinance removed child care centers from the restricted list. Annual sales could exceed $375 million next year, according to the 2022 MJBiz Factbook. The Northeast is poised to transform the U.S. cannabis industry and make New York City the nation's weed capital. He is a graduate of Southern Connecticut State University.