Is Weed Legal in Connecticut? A Look at the State's Laws and Regulations (2023)

Connecticut has legalized weed or marijuana for both recreational and medical users. This means that weed is fully legal, and you can use weed without any penalties. However, knowing this is not enough, as you may get into trouble for not understanding the weed laws in Connecticut.

This blog will cover Connecticut’s laws regarding the purchase, possession, and use of weed, as well as information on caregivers.

Legalization of Weed in Connecticut

In 2011, weed was decriminalized in Connecticut by Governor Dannel Malloy.

In 2012, Governor Dannel Malloy signed HB 5389 to legalize weed for medical purposes; hence, the medical marijuana program was formed in Connecticut.

Senate Bill 1201 initially allowed the possession of up to four ounces. The Connecticut law did not allow marijuana for minors initially, but after 2016, even minors were allowed to possess it with the help of a designated caregiver.

Until 2021, citizens were only able to use cannabis for medical purposes.

In 2021, Senate Bill 1201 was passed by Governor Lamont, legalizing cannabis for recreational purposes.

The Department of consumer protection is responsible for the program and takes the law in accordance, distributing patients’ IDs, making changes in the law, and processing the applications and licenses.

How Much Marijuana Can be Possessed?

Registered Patients or their caregivers can possess up to 5 ounces of marijuana. Patients can possess one month of supply, i.e., 3.5 ounces of marijuana flower. Recreational users can possess 1.5 ounces of marijuana and 7.5g of marijuana concentrate or 750 milligrams of THC.

Cultivation of Marijuana

The cultivation of marijuana by recreational users is illegal. However, medical patients are able to cultivate marijuana plants for personal use. Patients can cultivate up to 3 immature and 3 mature plants. A total of 12 marijuana plants per household is allowed.

Where can you Consume Marijuana in Connecticut?

One can only consume marijuana on private property. Consuming marijuana near educational institutions, public places, and federal property can get you in serious trouble. If you are a tenant, landlord may restrict you from consuming marijuana on their premises.

Caregivers Requirement

To become a caregiver in Connecticut, one needs to be at least 18 years of age. A doctor of the patient cannot become a caregiver. A caregiver should not have any drug convictions in their name. A caregiver cannot help more than one patient at one time.

Reciprocity

Connecticut does not have reciprocity laws with other states. Out-of-state medical cards are not accepted for marijuana purchases.

Qualifying Health Conditions for medical marijuana card in Connecticut (for patients above the age of 18 years old)

• Cancer
• Glaucoma
• Parkinson’s disease
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Nervous tissue or spinal cord damage
• Crohn’s disease
• Epilepsy
• Cachexia
• Wasting Syndrome
• Sickle Cell Disease
• Uncontrolled Intractable Seizure Disorder
• Neuropathic facial pain
• Muscular Dystrophy
• Post Herpetic Neuralgia
• Hydrocephalus with Intractable Headache
• Severe Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Intractable Headache Syndromes
• Osteogenesis Imperfecta
• Interstitial Cystitis
• MALS Syndrome
• Vulvodynia and Vulvar Burning
• Tourette Syndrome
• Ehlers Danlos
• Chronic Pancreatitis
• Movement disorder associated with Huntington’s Disease

Patients Under The Age of 18 need to Qualify for these Medical Conditions.

• Cerebral Palsy
• Cystic Fibrosis
• Irreversible Spinal Cord Injury
• Severe Epilepsy
• Terminal Illness
• Uncontrolled Intractable Seizure Disorder
• Muscular Dystrophy
• Tourette Syndrome
• Chronic Pancreatitis for patients whose pain is recalcitrant to standard medical manager

Process of Getting a Medical Marijuana card in Connecticut.

You can now get your medical marijuana card without any hassle of attending the clinic and taking appointments. GreenPot MD made it easier for you to get your MMJ card from home. Here is the complete process.

1. Book an Online appointment

Start by filling out an online evaluation form at GreenPot MD. This evaluation form asks you for your basic details. You can fill in that and book a call with licensed doctors. You can choose your preferred appointment time and attend it from anywhere. You can also reschedule it in case of an emergency.

2. Talk to Doctors

On the day of your appointment, you can share your medical history and health conditions with the doctors so they can better evaluate your condition.

3. Get your medical marijuana card

After your evaluation, if the doctor approves you for MMJ, they will mail you your medical recommendation. You will then need to register with the DAS Business network and upload your documents along with medical recommendations. After registration, you will get your medical marijuana card in 2-3 weeks.

There are a lot of questions regarding marijuana and medical marijuana in Connecticut, so let’s answer them.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Are out-of-state medical marijuana cards accepted in Connecticut?

Connecticut has no reciprocity laws with other states, so it does not accept out-of-state medical marijuana cards.

2. Where can I buy marijuana in Connecticut?

You can buy your marijuana legally from a state-licensed dispensary.

3. How long does it take to get my medical marijuana card in Connecticut?

You can get a medical recommendation from GreenPot MD within 24 hours. After registering with the state, you can expect to get your permanent medical marijuana card in 2-3 weeks.

4. What is the validity of medical marijuana card in Connecticut?

Medical marijuana cards are only valid for one year. Before the expiry, you can renew it and use it.