All posts in Connecticut News

Head on over to the state Judicial Department website and you’ll likely see a warning, emblazoned in bright, red text: “No cannabis (marijuana) is allowed in a courthouse.” A similar notice is prominently displayed in all Connecticut state courthouses. That notice is the result, judicial branch spokesperson Rhonda Hebert confirmed, of the state’s legalization of recreational cannabis use. “It is related to the recreational legalization of marijuana,” she said. As of July 1, possession of 1.5 ounces of cannabis for recreational use is legal in the state, Gov. Ned Lamont signing a bill legalizing cannabis into law earlier this year….

Head on over to the state Judicial Department website and you’ll likely see a warning, emblazoned in bright, red text: “No cannabis (marijuana) is allowed in a courthouse.” A similar notice is prominently displayed in all Connecticut state courthouses. That notice is the result, judicial branch spokesperson Rhonda Hebert confirmed, of the state’s legalization of recreational cannabis use. “It is related to the recreational legalization of marijuana,” she said. As of July 1, possession of 1.5 ounces of cannabis for recreational use is legal in the state, Gov. Ned Lamont signing a bill legalizing cannabis into law earlier this year….

In addition, retailers will start charging a five-cent surcharge on “nips,’’ which are miniature bottles of liquor. The “nips’’ are expected to generate an estimated $4.5 million per year for cities and towns, based on the sale of 90 million nips bottles per year in Connecticut. That includes 3.1 million sold in Hartford, 2.4 million in Manchester, 2.2 million in Bristol, and 1.5 million in East Hartford.

I don’t understand the angst developing among the residents of some Connecticut towns over the prospect of someone opening a marijuana store in their midst. Honestly, what are they so worried about — pot smokers with the munchies dropping candy wrappers as they come and go? I think I’d prefer a store selling pot over one selling liquor in my neighborhood. But, really, as long as they are in appropriately zoned locations, who cares? It’s not like customers are likely to be lingering and smoking out in front of marijuana stores, any more than drinkers crack open their cans and…

Sep. 20—SOUTH WINDSOR — The Planning and Zoning Commission is considering a one-year moratorium on the sale of recreational cannabis in town. At its Sept. 14 meeting, members agreed to hold a public hearing before enacting the proposed moratorium. Chairman Bart Pacekonis said the moratorium might not last a year, as town officials could determine an outcome on how to proceed with cannabis sales before the 12 months expire. RECREATIONAL MARIJUANA WHAT: On June 22, Gov. Ned Lamont signed into law a bill legalizing recreational use of marijuana beginning July 1. The state will issue licenses to businesses for sale…

A top Rhode Island senator says lawmakers are “very close” to reaching a deal on a marijuana legalization bill that could be taken up during a special session this fall. Senate President Dominick Ruggerio (D) was asked for a status update on negotiations that have been taking place on the reform proposal since lawmakers adjourned for the session. He told WPRI-TV that while there are still outstanding issues to be resolved, he believes legalization will be taken up before the end of the year. “We’ve had people working on that issue since we’ve left the session this year,” he said….

A Seattle City Council committee considered a resolution on Friday that would decriminalize a wide range of activities around psychedelic drugs, including cultivation and sharing with others, by declaring those activities among the city’s lowest law enforcement priorities. The council’s Public Safety and Human Services Committee heard comments from the proposal’s supporters, including Councilmember Andrew Lewis and the advocacy group Decrim Nature Seattle. While the panel did not vote on the draft resolution, Councilmember Lisa Herbold, who chairs the committee, said the full City Council will likely take up the measure in coming weeks. “Hopefully the city—as tends to be…

As state officials formulate a licensing and regulatory regime for the newly-legal recreational cannabis industry, Nicholas Morizio said he is already seeing marijuana companies put properties under contract for prospective business locations. Morizio, president of real estate brokerage Colliers International’s Hartford and New Haven offices, who has worked on medical marijuana grower and dispensary deals in recent years, said cannabis companies are paying property owners to take real estate off the market while they apply for licensure in Connecticut. “They’re trying to tie up properties as much as they can,” said Morizio, who declined to name companies making deals. “A…