Adult-use pot sales commenced in Connecticut on Tuesday morning, signifying another milestone for cannabis reform in the state made possible through a bill signed by Governor Ned Lamont in 2021.
Governor Lamont and Lieutenant Governor Susan Bysiewicz both said that the opening of the market was a significant step towards alleviating the harms caused by prohibition in a news release yesterday.
The market’s opening is expected to foster economic growth and create several employment opportunities in Connecticut, including security, information technology and administrative positions as well as jobs involving directly handling cannabis merchandise.
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.
Learn more at https://t.co/zEDihC4XC9. pic.twitter.com/dhUEYhQJrA
— Governor Ned Lamont (@GovNedLamont) January 10, 2023
Read more: More children are accidentally getting high after legalization: study
Read more: Adult-use cannabis market opens in New York
“Together with our partners in the legislature and our team of professionals at the Department of Consumer Protection, we’ve carefully crafted a securely regulated market that prioritizes public health, public safety, social justice, and equity,” said Lamont.
“Governor Lamont and I welcome this change to help people regain their freedom and the opportunity to pursue the careers and jobs they rightfully deserve,” added Bysiewicz.
Lamont signed a bill in 2021 enabling adult-use sales to start yesterday. That bill/law also erased certain convictions for cannabis-related offences between the year 2000-2015 and will allow state citizens over 21 to cultivate up to six cannabis plants in their homes beginning this July.
As of January 9th, approximately 43,750 low-level cannabis convictions in Connecticut had been permanently expunged.
Under a new state law that went into effect on January 1, our administration has marked 43,754 low-level cannabis convictions as erased.
An old conviction for possession should not hold someone back from pursuing their career, housing, professional, and educational aspirations. pic.twitter.com/sKjC0cOaFk
— Governor Ned Lamont (@GovNedLamont) January 9, 2023
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Certain cannabis companies like Curaleaf Holdings, Inc. (CSE: CURA) (OTCQX: CURLF) have also voiced their approval of the legislation. Curaleaf began adult-use sales at multiple locations in the state yesterday.
“We are proud to provide Curaleaf products across the state as Connecticut celebrates this important milestone in opening a safe and equitable adult-use cannabis market,” said Matt Darin, CEO of Curaleaf.
Acreage Holdings, Inc. (CNSX: ACRG.A.U) is one other example, the company launched adult use sales at The Botanist dispensary in the state’s town of Montville on Tuesday.
“We expect Connecticut will be a booming adult-use market, and The Botanist is prepared to meet heightened demand with increased inventory, dedicated medical patient services, and more,” said Peter Caldini, CEO of Acreage.
According to BioTrack, a cannabis tracking software company, Connecticut generated over US$250,000 in adult-use sales yesterday.
“BioTrack is honoured to be selected to partner with the state of Connecticut as the exclusive track-and-trace technology provider,” said Moe Afaneh, Vice President of BioTrack.
rowan@mugglehead.com
