Connecticut is known for its rich history, charming coastal towns, and bustling city life. People are attracted to Connecticut for its rolling hills and stunning fall foliage, as well as its quaint New England villages and bustling cities like Hartford and New Haven. The state is also known for its history, including being the birthplace of the insurance industry and the home of several Ivy League universities, such as Yale and Hartford. If you’re looking for legal news on how to get high in the Constitution State, you’ve come to the right place.
Is Weed Legal in Connecticut? Straight to the point.
- Recreational THC: Yes
- Medical THC: Yes
- CBD: Yes
- Delta-8: Yes
Medical Weed Laws
Connecticut legalized medical marijuana in 2012. The age limit for medical marijuana patients in Connecticut is 18 years or older, although minors may also use medical marijuana with the written consent of a parent or guardian and the recommendation of two physicians. Patients in Connecticut are allowed to purchase up to two and a half ounces of marijuana in a 30-day period.
Patients can apply for a medical marijuana card through the state’s Medical Marijuana Program (MMP). The first step is to obtain a written certification from a physician licensed in Connecticut, who must state that the patient has a qualifying medical condition and that the medical use of marijuana is likely to be beneficial.
Qualifying medical conditions in Connecticut include:
- Cancer
- Glaucoma
- HIV or AIDS
- Parkinson’s disease
- Multiple sclerosis
- Epilepsy
- Crohn’s disease
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Sickle cell disease
- Terminal illness
- Cachexia (wasting syndrome)
- Intractable spasticity
- Neuropathic pain
Once the patient has the written certification, they can submit an application to the MMP. The application process can be completed online through the MMP’s website, or by submitting a paper application by mail. The patient must also provide proof of Connecticut residency, such as a driver’s license or state-issued ID, and pay the required fee.
Recreational Weed Laws
Connecticut jointed the ranks of legal weed states when voters legalized recreational marijuana on June 22, 2021. Governor Edward “Ned” Lamont signed bill S.B. 1201, “An Act Concerning the Equitable and Responsible Regulation of Cannabis” into law.
Starting July 1, 2021, adults 21 and over were allowed to possess up to one and a half ounces on their person and up to five ounces in a locked location in their home. Legal sales of recreational marijuana began in Connecticut on January 10, 2023. Adults 21 and over can purchase up to a quarter ounce of cannabis per transaction from one of the seven operating dispensaries, with two more expected to open soon.
The adult use possession limits are:
- Flower: 1.5 oz in public
- Concentrate: 7.5 g
- Edibles: 750 mg THC
- Private Residence: 5 oz
Growing cannabis at home for personal use will be allowed starting July 1, 2023. Half of the licenses for recreational marijuana businesses will be reserved for equity applicants, and up to 75% of the revenue from the industry will be dedicated towards equity and community reinvestment.
Is Weed Decriminalized in Connecticut?
As of July 1, 2021, recreational marijuana is legally allowed for adults in Connecticut. The new law permits the use and possession of small quantities of recreational marijuana for individuals who are 21 years of age and older. However, there are still various aspects of the law that require further examination, and state and local governments will have to work out the details of how to enforce and implement the law within their communities in the coming years.
Cannabinoid Variants
THC and CBD are the most popular (and dominant) cannabinoids found in cannabis. Yet, they are only regulated through the legal system if they come from marijuana. In recent years, many alternative hemp-derived cannabinoids have become available. They are gaining massive popularity for their potency and easy accessibility, especially because many are available online. However, each state is able to determine their own laws and regulations in regards to these cannabinoids. Here’s where Connecticut stands.
Is CBD legal in Connecticut?
The 2018 Farm Bill legalized industrial hemp production in the United States. This legislation opened up vast possibilities for CBD-rich hemp to enter the mainstream market, allowing consumers to purchase CBD in retail establishments and online. CBD is often found in supplements, topicals, edibles, portable vape pens, home goods, and beauty and body care products.
The Farm Bill legally protects CBD production, but it is not without stipulation. All commercially available CBD products must be derived from hemp and contain less than 0.3% Delta-9 THC. However, some states have elected to regulate CBD independently and may have further restrictions on its use. For a Connecticuter, CBD is legal for purchase and consumption.
Is Delta-8 legal in Connecticut?
Delta-8 is very similar to Delta-9 in that it offers a high, but with less intensity. While many states allow consumers to purchase Delta-8 products made from hemp online, Connecticut only allows them to be sold in licensed dispensaries.
Is Delta-10 legal in Connecticut?
Much like the laws surrounding Delta-8, Delta-10 must abide by the same rules. Consumer can still purchase it, but only at licensed dispensaries.
Are THC-O and other THC variants legal in Connecticut?
In recent years, alternative hemp-derived cannabinoids have dominated the market as a more accessible way to get high. However, they have existed in a legal gray area until February 2023.
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has declared Delta-8-THC-O and Delta-9-THC-O illegal controlled substances. These compounds are not naturally occurring in either hemp or marijuana and are considered synthetic cannabinoids.
The 2018 Farm Bill legalized industrial hemp and its byproducts so long as they contain no more than 0.3% Delta-9-THC by volume. The market for cannabinoids has grown in the states since then as several alternative cannabinoids emerged, including synthetic THC isomers.
For the time being, this latest update does not affect alternative cannabinoids like THC-JD, THC-P, THCP-O, THC-H, and THC-B because they do exist naturally in trace amounts. Advocates feel that only the end of the federal prohibition on marijuana will successfully regulate synthetic or naturally occurring cannabinoids.
Are HHC and HHC-O legal in Connecticut?
HHC shares the same legal status as THC-O so long as it is hemp derived and contains the legal limits of Delta-9 THC. This makes HHC and HHC-O legal both in Connecticut and at the federal level.
Cultivation Laws
The state of Connecticut does not currently have any specific laws or regulations regarding the personal cultivation of cannabis for recreational purposes. However, the state’s recreational cannabis law allows adults 21 and over to legally cultivate cannabis at home starting July 1, 2023.
For those interested in growing cannabis for commercial purposes, a license will be required. The state will issue licenses for cannabis cultivators, manufacturers, testing facilities, and retail dispensaries. The number of licenses that will be available has not been determined, but 50% of the licenses will be reserved for equity applicants and the revenue generated from cannabis sales will be dedicated towards equity efforts and community reinvestment. To apply for a cultivation license you can review the requirements and access the correct forms here.
Where to Buy Weed in Connecticut
With all that you have learned so far of the marijuana laws in Connecticut, both medical and recreational, the question remains, where can you buy it?
Dispensaries
In Connecticut, adults 21 and over with a valid ID can purchase cannabis from state-licensed dispensaries. As of now, seven dispensaries began operations on January 10, 2023 with the remaining two slated to open in the coming weeks.
Delivery
Cannabis delivery services may also be available in Connecticut depending on the licensed dispensary’s availability. However, the specifics of these services are subject to change as the state’s recreational cannabis laws are implemented.
Direct to Consumer
As of now, Connecticut does not allow direct to consumer purchases. As the laws and regulations continue to develop this may change. However, consumers are still able to purchase some
Black Market
Despite legalization efforts, the marijuana black market remains active. The illegal purchase of weed from a black market dealer comes with serious risks. Not only is it difficult to determine the potency and purity of the product, but the legal implications can be disastrous. In some cases, a mere slap on the wrist, but in others, buying weed illegally results in jail time or a prison sentence. For those that live in a state with a medical or recreational marijuana program, it’s best to obtain cannabis through legal channels.
Is Drug Testing Legal in Connecticut
In Connecticut, employers are allowed to conduct drug testing for job applicants and employees, including testing for THC. However, the testing must be conducted in accordance with Connecticut’s drug testing statutes, which require drug testing to be conducted in a reasonable manner that does not violate individuals’ rights or privacy. The law does not specify any specific time frames for drug testing, but certain drug testing methods, such as urine or blood testing, are allowed as long as they are conducted by a licensed laboratory and the results are kept confidential.
Connecticut employers are not allowed to discriminate against registered medical marijuana users, but they are also not required to accommodate the use of medical marijuana in the workplace. If an employee tests positive for marijuana during a drug test, the employer must provide written notice of the positive result and give the employee an opportunity to provide a valid explanation. If the employee’s explanation is not credible, the employer may take adverse action against the employee, but not solely based on the positive drug test result.
General FAQ
Where can you smoke weed in Connecticut?
In Connecticut, the use of recreational cannabis is limited to private locations and smoking in public places remains illegal. It is important to be aware of the specific rules and regulations of individual municipalities and landlords, as some may have additional restrictions on the use of cannabis. Additionally, it is illegal to operate a vehicle or boat under the influence of cannabis, and it is illegal to smoke cannabis in any form while on federal property.
Can you smoke weed in public in Connecticut?
Smoking marijuana in public places is illegal in Connecticut. The use of recreational cannabis is limited to private locations only. It is important to be aware of the specific rules and regulations of individual municipalities and landlords, as some may have additional restrictions on the use of cannabis. Additionally, it is illegal to smoke cannabis in any form while on federal property.
When was weed legalized in Connecticut?
Weed was legalized for adult-use in Connecticut on July 1, 2021. Prior to this, medical marijuana was legalized in Connecticut in 2012 for patients with qualifying medical conditions.
Punishment for Illegal Acts FAQ
What are the penalties for selling, gifting, transporting, or importing weed?
The penalties for illegal sale, gift, transportation, or import of marijuana in Connecticut depend on the amount and circumstances of the offense. Generally, the penalties increase with the amount involved and repeat offenders may face stricter penalties. The following is a general outline of the potential penalties for these offenses:
Selling or gifting under one-half ounce: Class A Misdemeanor, with a maximum penalty of one year in prison and a fine of up to $2,000.
Selling or gifting over one-half ounce, but under four ounces: Class C Felony, with a maximum penalty of ten years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
Selling or gifting over four ounces: Class B Felony, with a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $15,000.
Transporting or importing any amount: Class D Felony, with a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000.
What is the penalty for selling to a minor?
The penalty for selling marijuana to a minor in Connecticut is severe and can result in severe legal consequences. It is a Class C Felony, and a person convicted of this crime can face up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
What is possession with the intent to sell?
Possession with the intent to sell refers to the act of having a controlled substance in one’s possession with the knowledge and intention of distributing or selling it to others. In the context of marijuana, it means having a significant amount of marijuana that is beyond what would reasonably be used for personal consumption, along with other evidence such as large amounts of cash, drug paraphernalia, or a large quantity of individually packaged portions. This type of possession is often considered a more serious crime than simple possession and can result in more severe legal consequences, including imprisonment and hefty fines.
When is possession still a crime?
Possession of marijuana is still a crime in states where it is not legalized for medical or recreational use. In states where it is legalized, possession of marijuana may still be considered a crime if it exceeds the legally allowed amount, if the person possessing it is under the minimum legal age, or if it is not in a form or location approved by the law. It’s also a crime if it was obtained illegally or if it was intended for illegal sale or distribution. It’s important to familiarize yourself with the specific laws and regulations in your state.
