'We can get it right': With Connecticut, recreational marijuana use has now been legalized in nearly half of the US

USA Today

By Elinor Aspegren | USA TODAY
Photo: USA TODAY

Connecticut became the 19th state to legalize recreational use of marijuana Tuesday when Gov. Ned Lamont signed a highly anticipated bill that hopes to address racial inequities stemming from the nation's war on drugs.

“We had a chance to learn from others, and I think we’ve got it right here in the state of Connecticut,” said Lamont, referring to the multi-year effort to finally pass a legalization bill during a ceremony at the state capital.

“Maybe we weren’t the first but we were the first, I think, to show that we can get it right," he said. 

People age 21 and older will be allowed to possess and consume marijuana beginning on July 1 under the new law, which also lays the groundwork for a new cannabis industry in the state and attempts to address racial inequities stemming from the nation’s war on drugs.

Publish : 2021-06-23 11:45:00

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