{"id":372115,"date":"2016-03-31T21:34:40","date_gmt":"2016-04-01T02:34:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/connecticut-law\/connecticut-marijuana-laws.html"},"modified":"2024-09-24T09:12:36","modified_gmt":"2024-09-24T14:12:36","slug":"connecticut-marijuana-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/connecticut-law\/connecticut-marijuana-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"Connecticut Marijuana Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\n \n
\n

Connecticut Marijuana Laws<\/h1>\n
\n
\n By Kit Yona, M.A.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by John Mascolo, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
\n

This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
\n

The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

As marijuana use grows in popularity, states have moved at different paces to make it more accessible. Connecticut has been on the quicker end of the scale, with the first step of marijuana legalization in 2012. This was legalizing medical cannabis for medical marijuana programs.<\/p>\r\n

On July 1, 2021, it became the 19th state to legalize adult-use cannabis after the passing of new laws and the signing of S.B. 1201 by Gov. Ned Lamont. Following a planned roll-out, it wasn’t until Jan. 10, 2023, that adults 21 and older could visit dispensaries and buy cannabis products such as pre-rolled marijuana cigarettes, edibles, and vape cartridges.<\/p>\r\n

One constant about the marijuana laws in Connecticut<\/a> is that they are subject to frequent change. In this article, we’ll ensure you’re up to date on state and federal marijuana laws<\/a>, help you understand what’s legal and what isn’t, and inform you of the penalties you might face for transgressions.<\/p>\r\n

This article will tell you what you should know about Connecticut marijuana laws.<\/p>\r\n

Marijuana in Connecticut: Using, Possessing, and Purchasing<\/h2>\r\n

Cannabis is legal in Connecticut, but that doesn’t mean you aren’t subject to restrictions, limits, and other rules. Let’s dig into the important facets of Connecticut marijuana laws.<\/p>\r\n

Using Marijuana in Connecticut<\/h3>\r\n

Let’s start with an important distinction between state and federal law. Although the Biden administration has been attempting to get cannabis rescheduled to a less severe classification, as of August 2024, marijuana is still Schedule I<\/a>. You’re subject to federal prosecution if you have marijuana products in a national park or on any other federal lands.<\/p>\r\n

Some locations in Connecticut also ban cannabis, such as state parks and beaches. Your city or town can also pass restrictions<\/a>, so check the local regulations. In general, if there’s somewhere you can’t vape or smoke tobacco, smoking cannabis is illegal there as well. Hotels have the right to set their own policies, so find out when making a reservation or checking in.<\/p>\r\n

Operating a motor vehicle under the influence of marijuana carries the same penalties you’d face with alcohol. Don’t drive buzzed.<\/p>\r\n

Those 18 and older can get approved for medical marijuana<\/a> use. You must register for any medical usage. Your physician must start the registration process<\/a>. Doctors can also prescribe medical cannabis for those under 18 years of age<\/a> for palliative reasons.<\/p>\r\n

Possession of Marijuana and Growing Cannabis in Connecticut<\/h3>\r\n

In Connecticut, if you’re an adult 21 or older, you can have up to 1.5 ounces of cannabis on your person. You can keep up to 5 ounces at home in a locked container. You can transport the same amount in a locked trunk or glovebox.<\/p>\r\n

In October 2021, medical marijuana patients could grow up to six cannabis plants inside their houses. Three can be mature, while the other three must be immature plants. As of July 2023, it became legal for all adults 21 and older to grow up to six plants for recreational marijuana as well.<\/p>\r\n

It’s a felony to grow marijuana plants outside unless you are a member of the cannabis establishment, such as a licensed cultivator or micro-cultivator.<\/p>\r\n

Purchasing Marijuana in Connecticut<\/h3>\r\n

On Dec. 1, 2023, the Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) announced that the adult-use cannabis transaction limit at dispensaries would increase<\/a> from 1\/4 ounce of marijuana raw flower or the equivalent to half an ounce (14 grams). The 5-ounce-per-month limit for medical marijuana patients remained unchanged.<\/p>\r\n

To make it easier to understand what a half ounce of cannabis raw flower is, here are a few examples in different forms:<\/p>\r\n