Connecticut Marijuana Laws

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.

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.

One constant about the marijuana laws in Connecticut 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, help you understand what's legal and what isn't, and inform you of the penalties you might face for transgressions.

This article will tell you what you should know about Connecticut marijuana laws.

Marijuana in Connecticut: Using, Possessing, and Purchasing

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.

Using Marijuana in Connecticut

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. You're subject to federal prosecution if you have marijuana products in a national park or on any other federal lands.

Some locations in Connecticut also ban cannabis, such as state parks and beaches. Your city or town can also pass restrictions, 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.

Operating a motor vehicle under the influence of marijuana carries the same penalties you'd face with alcohol. Don't drive buzzed.

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

Possession of Marijuana and Growing Cannabis in Connecticut

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.

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.

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.

Purchasing Marijuana in Connecticut

On Dec. 1, 2023, the Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) announced that the adult-use cannabis transaction limit at dispensaries would increase 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.

To make it easier to understand what a half ounce of cannabis raw flower is, here are a few examples in different forms:

• 14 pre-rolled cigarettes that weigh 1 gram each
• 28 pre-rolled cigarettes that weigh 0.5 grams each
• Four to eight vape cartridges, which come in .5 mL and 1 mL sizes

As edibles vary by type and size, presenting an exact combination is difficult. Standard-sized brownies or cookies can be the equivalent of .08 grams of cannabis flower. One edible serving cannot have more than 5 milligrams of THC.

There are a couple of taxes on retail sales of cannabis products in Connecticut. The standard state 6.35% sales tax, a 3% tax for the municipality where the purchase takes place, and a THC content tax of 10% to 15% of the sale price will apply to all retail cannabis sales.

Summary of Connecticut Marijuana Law Penalties

The table below lists the potential punishments for violating Connecticut marijuana laws related to possession. The rules are different for medicinal marijuana patients. See Medical Marijuana Laws by State and the links following this article to learn more.

Note: State laws are subject to change through the passage of new legislation and rulings in the higher courts, including federal decisions, ballot initiatives, and other means. While we strive to provide the most current information available, please consult an attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the status of any state laws you are reviewing.

Wiping the Slate Clean

When recreational marijuana legalization took effect in Connecticut, over 44,000 cannabis convictions before 2015 were scheduled for automatic erasures. Those after 2015 were able to petition the courts for erasure of minor marijuana convictions. Prosecutors also dismissed over 1,500 pending cannabis-related crimes due to the new legislation.

Social Equity and Innovation Fund

To help people and communities hit hardest by the effects of drugs, Connecticut's Social Equity and Innovation Fund focuses on rebuilding those areas and offering opportunities in the cannabis industry to those most affected. For example, since July 1, 2023, 60% to 75% of all cannabis excise tax revenue has gone to the fund.

More Research Resources

• Connecticut Adult-Use Site
• Cannabis Law
• Federal Cannabis Laws
• State Marijuana Laws

Get Legal Help With Your Marijuana Case

Despite the rapidly shifting state laws on marijuana, it is still possible to get charged with a crime involving the drug. If you get charged with a cannabis-related violation of Connecticut law, a legal professional may be able to help you avoid serious penalties. A skilled Connecticut criminal defense attorney can explain the law and help you mount a credible defense.