Frequently Asked Questions About Cannabis in CT

Connecticut has been slow to accept cannabis as a recreational and medical product, but things are beginning to change. With the recent changes to Connecticut cannabis regulations and the questions that come with those new laws, there’s bound to be some confusion about the current legality of cannabis in the state. Here’s a compilation of all you need to know about Connecticut cannabis. 

When Did Cannabis Become Legal in Connecticut?

As of 2012, cannabis has been legal for medicinal use in Connecticut. House Bill 5389 was the beginning of the Connecticut Cannabis Program, which made it possible for patients with certain conditions to apply for medical cannabis use. Cannabis could only be prescribed by qualifying physicians and came with specific restrictions. At the time, cannabis was not approved for recreational use or therapeutic use outside this small set of patients. Still, this was the first step that opened the door to reduced restrictions for cannabis in Connecticut.

Official discussion of a recreational cannabis program in Connecticut began in 2020. In the summer of 2021, Connecticut governor Ned Lamont signed a bill approving regulated use of small amounts of recreational cannabis by any legal adult in the state over the age of 21. This makes Connecticut the 19th state to legalize cannabis for recreational purposes. However, the restrictions and preparations legislators decided to put into place have made the transition to full legalization a slow process. As of January 10, 2023, recreational use of cannabis is available for purchase in designated dispensaries licensed to sell recreational cannabis.

What is the Current Cannabis Law in Connecticut?

Medical cannabis is legal in Connecticut, allowing state constituents who are deemed eligible for the program to purchase and use cannabis.

While it’s technically true that using cannabis products recreationally is legal under Connecticut law, purchasing products without a prescription remains illegal. In addition, the rules on how much recreational users can purchase, possess, and use make the law even more complicated than expected. Therefore, selling recreational cannabis will likely be an uphill battle due to the many restrictions placed on cannabis sellers and users alike.

Ultimately, the details of how the recreational policies will be implemented have yet to be ironed out. Actually using recreational cannabis will remain difficult until the legal preparations are completed and recreational sales are approved. As a result, while recreational use is legal under written law, many Connecticut cannabis enthusiasts consider it effectively illegal until the state allows access for all.

Connecticut Cannabis Frequently Asked Questions

Connecticut cannabis laws, whether new recreational laws or existing medical laws, could use some explanation. Here are answers to several common questions surrounding the state of cannabis use in Connecticut. 

What Qualifies You for Medical Cannabis in CT?

Adults are eligible for medical cannabis use in Connecticut if they have a certain ailment that qualifies as a debilitating condition under treatment by a physician, PA, or APRN with a Connecticut license. These ailments include cancer, Parkinson’s Disease, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, and motor disorders such as cerebral palsy, among many others. This large list of conditions includes over 40 ailments, but means that medical cannabis is primarily intended for patients suffering from major diseases and disorders. 

Unfortunately, less-defined problems such as chronic pain must be “associated with a specified underlying chronic condition.” For children and teenagers, the list is even smaller. As a result, medical cannabis is highly regulated and restricted in Connecticut, even if the list of acceptable use cases has increased since 2012. 

Who Can Purchase Medical Cannabis in Connecticut?

Patients must be a resident of the state to qualify for a medical cannabis prescription and must not be in a correctional facility or under government watch. Minors can qualify with parental or guardian permission and the permission of two physicians. Currently, adult patients or legal guardians of minor patients can purchase up to 5 oz at a qualified dispensary each month, though physicians can restrict this amount. 

Are Edibles Legal in Connecticut?

Yes, edibles are legal, as are other traditional forms of cannabis. Dispensaries are currently allowed to sell readymade edibles to medical cannabis patients. However, those edibles must be made by an approved production facility and are subject to the same regulations and laws that apply to other bakery products.

When Will Connecticut Dispensaries Be Open for Recreational Users?

Three big hurdles were apparent in the wake of recreational cannabis legalization:

• when dispensaries can open for recreational use, 
• when medical cannabis sellers could hybridize and sell both medical and recreational cannabis 
• when legal recreational sales can begin  

In short, laws stated that dispensaries couldn’t open for recreational use until a large enough portion of the state was growing cannabis. Currently, only approved producers are legally allowed to manufacture cannabis products. Meanwhile, these established growers must pay millions to hybridize or make a full switch to recreational production, disincentivizing the sale of recreational cannabis. 

As a result, Connecticut-based dispensaries will not be able to move in until the entire supply chain is licensed and prepared for recreational sales, including the necessary 250,000 feet of manufacturing and agricultural space the industry requires. While it’s been possible to apply for an establishment license since February of 2022, no new Connecticut recreational dispensaries may apply at the time of this writing. However, out of state businesses are allowed to sell products to people in Connecticut so long as they set up a dispensary there. Keep an eye out for more news on this topic, as Zen Leaf Dispensaries are expanding in Connecticut to sell both medical and recreational cannabis. 

Can I Grow My Own Cannabis in CT?

Legally, any medical user above the age of 18 is allowed to grow up to six plants at home, including three mature plants and three immature plants. Starting in July of 2023, everyone above the age of 21 will be subject to the same rules for recreational purposes. Restrictions state that plants must be grown indoors and must remain invisible to anyone on the street. Plants must be grown at your primary residence and must be kept in a place anyone 20 years or younger cannot access. 

How Much Cannabis Can Connecticut Residents Have?

Residents are allowed to carry up to 1.5 ounces of cannabis on their person at a time. Residents may store up to 5 ounces in a locked container. For medical purposes, residents can purchase up to 5 ounces each month, though this amount may increase in special cases as noted by approved physicians. 

Where Can CT Residents Use Cannabis?

In general, state regulations are such that if you can’t smoke or vape in a specific place, you can’t use cannabis in that place, either. Currently, this means that cannabis use is prohibited in most public spaces, including state beaches and state parks. Otherwise, each city has set individual laws regarding where cannabis is allowed to be used, and at-home use may be subject to landlord regulations. Check with your local government if you have any specific questions about local cannabis laws.

Are There Restrictions on Cannabis Products?

Cannabis products come in a wide variety of forms, some more potent than others. Currently, individuals are restricted from selling products with a THC content higher than 0.3% on a dry-weight basis. Once licensed retailers become established, they will be allowed to sell more concentrated cannabis products.

Of course, this means CBD-only products, which must have extremely low THC content, may be sold as long as the other cannabis laws are followed by the seller.

What is a “Disproportionately Impacted Area”?

The same act that legalized cannabis also established a Social Equity Council. This occurred because a major factor behind the legalization of cannabis was to help communities that were targeted heavily—some unfairly so—during the war on drugs. These areas are known as “Disproportionately Impacted Areas,” and a primary goal of modern cannabis regulation is to “promote and encourage full participation in the cannabis industry” within these areas. 

In other words, now that cannabis is no longer an illegal substance, the people who were most hurt by the criminalization can now be involved in the legalization process. These people stand to reap the most benefit once recreational sales begin.

How Will Connecticut Prevent Underage Cannabis Use?

Connecticut minors may not access or use cannabis unless they are legally prescribed a dose by a qualifying physician. In fact, anyone under 21 years old without a qualifying condition will be prohibited from using cannabis. Similarly, anyone who practices negligence and allows individuals under the age of 21 to be exposed to or use cannabis will be subject to a fine. The state plans to use the same techniques already in place to keep minors away from alcohol and other drugs, including ID requirements before purchasing cannabis products.

Where Can I Get More Information About Cannabis and Connecticut Laws?

Zen Leaf Dispensaries' Connecticut dispensary location and cannabis information page will be continually updated with FAQs about the new laws, as well as details on the Zen Leaf dispensaries located in the state. It’s the best place to go to get your Connecticut cannabis questions answered, as well as a resource that ensures you know where to go and who to contact if you want more information or would like to purchase your own cannabis. Connecticut cannabis legalization remains a complex topic, and it’s our mission to make sure CT residents have access to high-quality, legally sold products as well as any advice they may need before they jump in. 

Connecticut Cannabis Laws Continue to Evolve

As the situation continues to change in Connecticut, there will be more and more to learn about both medical and recreational cannabis regulations in the state. From the legality of cannabis itself to the restrictions and regulations surrounding it and the state’s ultimate plan for the future, ambiguities and complications abound. As a result, there will always be more questions that need answering. 

We are here to help you explore cannabis and understand how to do so compliantly. Stay up-to-date on cannabis in Connecticut by checking back here, or subscribing to Zen Leaf Connecticut News.

References:

1. Daniel W. Bowles, Cindy L. O’Bryant, D. Ross Camidge, Antonio Jimeno. The intersection between cannabis and cancer in the United States, Critical Reviews in Oncology/Hematology,Volume 83, Issue 1, 2012, Pages 1-10, ISSN 1040-8428, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.critrevonc.2011.09.008

*This post was originally published on December 8, 2022, and updated on February 14, 2023, to reflect the availability of online ordering for recreational purchasers. 

*This post was reviewed and verified by Verano Marketing Compliance on January 31, 2023.