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Connecticut

1 December, 2019

Status: Medical Only

History:

2011 - Possession of small amounts of cannabis decriminalised
2012 - Medical cannabis legalised

Policy Framework

Possession of small amounts of recreational cannabis was decriminalised in 2011 to a $US150 fine for a first offence;
Patients must have a qualifying condition in order to obtain medical cannabis;
Patients may possess a month’s supply of medical cannabis, as prescribed by a doctor;
Patients may not cultivate their own medical cannabis;
Medical cannabis can only be obtained from a licensed dispensary;
Estimated number of registered medical cannabis patients is 37,117, according to the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection;
Possession of less than ½ an ounce (14g) of cannabis is an infringement punishable by a fine of up to $US500;
Possession of more than ½ an ounce of cannabis is a misdemeanour punishable by up to one year in prison and a fine of up to $US2000;
Distribution or cultivation of cannabis is a felony punishable by up to 25 years in prison and fines of up to $US100,000.

Source: Norml

Outcomes:

Since 2011, cannabis arrests have decreased significantly;
Decriminalisation had no major effect on consumption rates;
In 2018, sales of medical marijuana reached $US50 million;
Between 2005 and 2017, cannabis use disorder in people over 12-years-old decreased from 2.1% to 2.0%.

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