{"id":750,"date":"2021-08-25T16:17:00","date_gmt":"2021-08-25T16:17:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/CBMiSGh0dHBzOi8vbmV3cy55YWhvby5jb20vdmVybm9uLWJhbnMtY2FubmFiaXMtcHVibGljLXBsYWNlcy0xNjE3MDAyNjYuaHRtbNIBUGh0dHBzOi8vbmV3cy55YWhvby5jb20vYW1waHRtbC92ZXJub24tYmFucy1jYW5uYWJpcy1wdWJsaWMtcGxhY2VzLTE2MTcwMDI2Ni5odG1s"},"modified":"2021-08-25T16:17:00","modified_gmt":"2021-08-25T16:17:00","slug":"vernon-bans-cannabis-use-in-all-public-places-yahoo-news","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thcinct.com\/?p=750","title":{"rendered":"Vernon bans cannabis use in all public places – Yahoo News"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Troubled by people smoking marijuana around children and families and the effects of second-hand smoke, Vernon\u2019s town council has banned cannabis use in all public places.<\/p>\n

The prohibition was added to the town ordinance regulating alcohol on public property. The rule now says \u201cno person shall burn, smoke or consume cannabis while upon or within the limits of any public highway, public area or parking area within the Town of Vernon.\u201d Each violation is subject to a fine of up to $100.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe intent here is to do what people expect government to do – protect public health and safety,\u201d Town Manager Michael Purcaro said Wednesday.<\/p>\n

Mayor Dan Champagne pushed for the ban after residents complained about pot smoking at the town\u2019s July in the Sky fireworks event in Henry Park, in the downtown area and in other public places.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is a public health issue,\u201d Champagne said before the council vote on Aug. 17. \u201cWe already ban alcohol and smoking in our parks, at schools and other town properties. It is sensible to expand this public health policy to cannabis. Our residents have the right to expect a healthy, substance-free environment in our parks and town facilities.\u201d<\/p>\n

Initially, the proposed ordinance banned possession of marijuana in public places, but the council amended the rule after realizing the conflict with state law passed in June that allows possession of up to 1 1\/2 ounces.<\/p>\n

Purcaro said police will enforce the ordinance, which also includes a ban on vaping in public places.<\/p>\n

State law says adults age 21 and over may smoke pot and can transport up to five ounces in a locked glove box or trunk. Retail sales are not expected in Connecticut until May 2022 as the state embarks on the detailed process of regulations and licensing.<\/p>\n

When Connecticut became the 19th state to legalize marijuana, state legislators left each town to work out many of the details, including rules on retail sales and where people can smoke. Greenwich, Newtown and Prospect already have decided to ban pot stores altogether, and more communities are likely to follow.<\/p>\n