Catch up on the status of marijuana laws and sales in Connecticut. Maryland legalizes marijuana, Arkansas and North Dakota reject, Oklahoma conservatives views on medical marijuana evolving, How states have reshaped marijuana laws and whats next, could generate $821 million in tax revenue, opposed to legalizing recreational marijuana, develop temporary psychosis and long-lasting mental disorders. Bryant Reed 1/5/2023. Dispensaries will have special hours for medical-use cannabis customers only ahead and many are encouraging online ordering to try and ensure everyone a smooth purchasing process. To complete a Change of Dispensary, . One of the biggest current threats to public safety is the presence of Chinese nationals and other elements of organized crime in our medical marijuana industry, Drummond said. Subscribe to Heres the Deal, our politics Whats also unique is its the first store to open under the states social equity program. It is structured in such a way that children are not protected unless they are already harmed., The Protect Our Kids: No 820 campaign says proponents of the measure are lying to the public when they say the legalization of recreational marijuana will make communities safer.. To obtain a growers license, Oklahoma law requires that at least 75 percent of the ownership of a commercial grower operation be owned by Oklahoma residents. Photo by Bryan Terry/The Oklahoman/USA Today Network. Customers can see available inventory on the website, choose a preferred time frame for pickup and head to the dispensary once they receive a "ready" text message. Given this threshold, the start of adult-use cannabis sales relies on the successful conversion of all four existing medical marijuana producers or additional cultivation to come online, the announcement read. There are even CBD cafes in Connecticut. Its Windy Too Woman arrested for prostitution near school in Watertown, Bomb threat called into North Haven Cinemark deemed hoax, suspect arrested, Norwalk math coach arrested after putting 5th grade student in chokehold, Overturned tractor trailer shuts down Route 9 in Middletown. He is opening a recreational cannabis store in early February next door to the dispensary and is . Seagull said Tuesday that threshold had been met. 1996 - 2023 NewsHour Productions LLC. We appreciate the fact that youre a customer and well treat you like an individual. Marijuana flowers grow in a room at CTPharma in Rocky Hill. Long lines are expected as the highly anticipated opening of the nine dispensaries to the general public begins on Jan. 10. ", A post shared by Fine Fettle Connecticut (@finefettlect). Robinson told 22News that business has been going strong so far, and why Massachusetts dispensaries will remain more. Get CT Mirror briefings with enterprise reporting, investigations and more in your inbox daily. According to the Zen Leaf website, the dispensary will have "cannabis flower, in an array of strains, pre-rolls, in single and 5-pack options," as well as inhalants. But critics of SQ 820, including Republican Gov. We used to joke that there was a church on every corner, Williams said. They argue that children will be at the most risk if any further expansion of marijuana is passed, citing mental health risks among their concerns. The Department of Consumer Protection announced Friday that recreational cannabis sales will begin in Connecticut on Jan. 10. For those hopeful new entrants to the market who were not converting from medical-use operations, the council held lotteries for licenses in several categories. A CTPharma staff checks on the marijuana flowers. There shouldnt be a patchwork of states doing different things, Stitt said. Located in Northern Torrington directly off Route 8, the dispensary provides access to the thousands of Litchfield County registered patients who currently need to travel to other counties for their medicine. Formerly Bluepoint, RISE dispensary Branford, CT is a 8-minute drive from Stony Creek Beach and 15-minutes from Yale University. According to the report, revenue from marijuana taxes is anticipated to reach its highest point in 2027, with more than $97 million generated from recreational sales and $69 million from the medical market. The only stores opening now were previously operating as medical marijuana dispensaries and are able to convert their facilities. He said the price of 1-gram cartridges of . The application period is open for 90 days, according to an announcement from the state Department of . Our brand new, flagship weed dispensary is now open in Dudley. DCP has also been evaluating license applications from new entrants to the market. A combination of different product types that collectively amount to no more than of an ounce. Recreational marijuana sales begin January 10, which is about 18 months after Governor Ned Lamont signed it into law. Copyright 2023 WFSB. No. In Massachusetts, a case study, Legislators approve mold regulation changes for medical marijuana, Marijuana gifting bill passes CT House, with some changes, operators who form 50/50 equity joint venture partnerships. State officials say their goal is for adult-use marijuana products to be available for sale by the end of this year or early next year, but theres no set date. HARTFORD, Conn. (WFSB) - The Capital City now has its first location open for recreational marijuana use. It costs $2,500 to obtain a sellers license in Oklahoma in contrast to neighboring Arkansas, where it can exceed $100,000. And, though the first medicinal marijuana dispensary has been open since August 2014, there's currently no clear date of when recreational dispensaries will follow suit. However, in December, the Department of Consumer Protection announced it notified the nine dispensaries listed below that they had the green light to sell recreational cannabis to adults 21 and over starting Jan. 10. Connecticuts law caps THC percentages in flower at 30 percent a limit routinely exceeded by medical-grade cannabis. Only a handful of dispensaries will launch initially, and there are limits on how . Existing medical-use cultivators and . Susan Bysiewicz; and Senate President Pro-Tem Martin Looney, D-New Haven. Insa's license, when and if it gets full approval, will allow it to open large-scale operations of more than 15,000 square feet of grow space, differing from micro-cultivator licenses that go to. A breakdown of all 14 licenses can be viewed here. Dec. 9, 2022 update: The state has announced that recreational weed sales will begin Jan. 10, 2023. Sign up for CT Mirror's free daily briefings. Its really archaic language, Cantrell said. Sales of recreational marijuana started a little more than a month ago. Kaitlyn Krasselt This wasn't just about building a business but also contributing to the investment or reinvestment in those communities, Comer said. Fine Fettle in Manchester is the first adult-use only store, which means it didnt start out selling medical cannabis. The supply chain must be entirely licensed and there must be enough growing capacity to supply the retail market, Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window), Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window). The industry broke records that year, generating nearly $149 million in tax revenue from state and local sales taxes, as well as the states marijuana excise tax. Connecticut could have some recreational dispensaries open by the end of 2022, but no dates have been set at this time. The measure includes a licensing process for recreational dispensaries, commercial growers, processors and transporters. Social Equity Partners also are not subject to the lottery and have the ability to join an Equity Joint Venture in order "to provide them grow space, mentorship and overhead costs, in exchange for a reduction in the cost of the expansion process.". We're going to be constantly evaluating, talking to the businesses and monitoring the situation. There are 17 registered medical dispensaries located in Connecticut. In all, nearly 100 businesses are somewhere in the licensing pipeline, Seagull said. As of last July, adults in Connecticut may possess and use up to 1.5 ounces of marijuana legally, and they may store up to 5 ounces in a locked container at home. Ivelisse Correa of East Hartford protests outside Hartford's Curaleaf location Friday in hopes of raising awareness about barriers for people of color looking to open dispensaries. Its pharmacist-centered team is on site or available by phone to answer any questions. The Affinity Health & Wellness pharmacist-led Care Team will continue to support and educate our patients every step of the way and treat them with respect and empathy to foster a relationship they can trust. The passed bill, Public Act 21-1, aims to encourage the participation of the cannabis industry in these areas. We are hanging in there but across the industry in Oklahoma its rough going for the operators who are doing things the right way. The state anticipates stores will open in early 2023 and last month announced dozens of businesses including packagers, producers and retail stores are completing the first round of cannabis licensing. The Department of Consumer Protection will notify a third-party lottery operator of the social equity applicants and after that, the first lottery commences. Copyright 2023 WFSB. Alex Premoli makes the first sale to a customer on the opening day of recreational marijuana sales at Theory Wellness in Great Barrington, Mass., Friday, January 11, 2019. But for me, it represented a great business opportunity and thankfully they saw it that way as well.. For more information about Adult-Use Cannabis, visitct.gov/cannabis. Media Contact: The state identified a number of areas throughout Connecticut that qualify as "Disproportionately Impacted Areas" in 2021, which are areas that have a "historical conviction rate for drug-related offenses greater than one-tenth, or an unemployment rate greater than ten percent." Though medical dispensaries have been operating in Connecticut since 2014, recreational dispensaries are not yet open. Cannabis establishment applications opened on Feb. 3, however, some Connecticut towns have implemented moratoriums on accepting and approving applications. FILE - A customer, right, purchases cannabis products at the Housing Works Cannabis Co., New York's first legal cannabis dispensary, Thursday, Dec. Medical dispensaries are used by patients who require cannabisproducts for a medicinal use. I anticipate that certainly by the end of the first half of the year, we should be seeing some of those businesses ready to go, Comer said. Blake Cantrell, 37, said he remembers plotting out his business strategy for a chain of medical marijuana dispensaries in 2018 despite his apprehension about telling his family his plans. Find reviews and menus from the best recreational & medical marijuana dispensaries in Norwich, CT. Order online for in-dispensary pickup. OLD SAYBROOK , Conn. (WFSB) - Marijuana sales in Connecticut are starting in less than a week. Were a resident in a "Disproportionately Impacted Area" for at least nine years before turning 18. Those fees went into a fund to be reinvested in communities most impacted by historically discriminatory federal drug policy. Some regulations on medical cannabis have expanded since the adult-use bill passed last year. How do I transfer dispensaries in Connecticut? Recreational possession of marijuana in Connecticut was legalized on July 1st, 2021. Or any combination up to 7 total grams, which equals 1/4 ounce. the city's first medical marijuana dispensary, opened on Mill . Stitt said during his first news briefing of the 2023 legislative session that he is opposed to legalizing recreational marijuana because it remains illegal federally. Ned Lamont signed a bill just after noon on Tuesday making recreational marijuana legal for adults in Connecticut starting July 1. Two more marijuana dispensaries open up in Connecticut, Recreational marijuana program growing in CT, Two more recreational marijuana shops open in CT, Items stolen from CVS, Walmart, and Stop & Shop resold at Hartford convenience store. Get CT Mirror briefings with enterprise reporting, investigations and more in your inbox daily. Here is where to find the dispensaries licensed for recreational sales in the Nutmeg State. Erica covers economic development for CT Mirror. As of this week, three of those four existing medical marijuana producers Advanced Grow Labs, Connecticut Pharmaceutical Solutions and Curaleaf have fulfilled the requirements to obtain hybrid licenses, enabling them to serve both the medical and recreational markets. Now, volunteer . - It's been one month since people could begin buying recreational marijuana and dispensaries say business is not slowing down. Facility Name: Address: Website: Email: Phone: Affinity Health & Wellness: 1351 Whalley Avenue, New Haven, CT 06515: www.affinityct.com: info@affinityct.com After 18 months, Connecticut regulators have set a date for the adult-use weed market to open for business. I believe it would be a grave mistake to give these criminals a larger market to serve.. Our credo: "Good Health. But were seeing them move in through straw buyers, so thats what were trying to attack now.. Private landowners and businesses would be allowed to prohibit or regulate the use of marijuana on their property or during the course of employment. To buy from this location on Jan. 10, all orders must be placed ahead of time for pickup at finefettle.com. Explore online ordering and pick-up options. He is calling for state legislators to move up the planned opening of state licensed cannabis dispensaries throughout the state from the end of 2022 to six months earlier to prevent future overdoses. Thank you. Residents over the age of 21 can legally possess and consume marijuana. I am proud of the hard work our team has done to meet the goal of opening adult-use sales in a safe, well-regulated market, said DCP Commissioner Michelle H. Seagull. In June 2021, Connecticut became the 18th state to legalize recreational marijuana. In CT its pick between these 4 eighths. STAMFORD, Conn. -- Demand was strong on Tuesday, the first day of recreational cannabis sales in Connecticut. The state is about to take a major step toward the sale of recreational cannabis for adults in Connecticut. SQ 820 also allows for the possession of up to one ounce of marijuana, six mature plants and six seedlings. Tech is changing Connecticut manufacturing. The "Adult Use Only Menu" will be available after 6 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 9. 1 of 5. Learn More Learn about addiction prevention, and risks of cannabis. /. Before moving to Connecticut to join the staff she worked in Los Angeles for public radios Marketplace and, before that, for the Wall Street Journal's L.A. bureau. With the legalization of recreational cannabis last July, there is one thing on many Connecticut residents' minds: when will the state see the opening of its first recreational dispensaries? Its unclear, CT recreational pot sales will start within months, regulators say, Can marijuana bring about social equity? We know we are the new kids on the block, however if you think we don't have years of marijuana dispensary experience . Our goal is to provide support within the CT medical marijuana program by offering experience, knowledge, and compassion that patients can count on. From dispensary offerings and cannabinoid breakdowns to the application process and the state's Social Equity Council, here is what you need to know about dispensaries in Connecticut. We are focused on serving patients with passion, respect, and trust while educating them on options and resources available to help them on their journey. Two to four vape cartridges, which come in .5 mL and 1 mL sizes. It also prohibits prosecutors from revoking bail, parole or probation because of marijuana use. Two more retail cannabis stores opened on Friday. OKLAHOMA CITY As Oklahomans prepare to vote on legalizing recreational marijuana, supporters say its a clear decision to support local businesses and promote social justice reform, while detractors say its a weedier situation. Whoops! Photo by Nathan J. Fish/The Oklahoman/USA Today Network. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, people who use marijuana at an earlier age or more frequently meaning daily or nearly daily are more likely to develop temporary psychosis and long-lasting mental disorders, such as schizophrenia. CT film tax credit: Some want to cut it, some want more, CT bill proposes relief from coerced debt for domestic violence victims, CT continues to prosecute some marijuana cases despite legalization, Proudly powered by Newspack by Automattic. Nine of Connecticut's existing medical marijuana retailers will be able to sell to recreational marijuana beginning Jan. 10, the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection said on Friday. CT proposal causes confusion, concern, Had an income of three times less that the state median household income over the last three tax years, Were a resident in a "Disproportionately Impacted Area" for five of the last 10 years. HARTFORD, Conn. (WFSB) - The Capital City now has its first location open for recreational marijuana use. CBD usually comes from hemp, a form of cannabis that has very minimal levels of THC. The state Department of Consumer Protection said on Friday, Dec. 9, that licensed hybrid . At every Fine Fettle location, both in-store and online, we work hard to provide a wholesome, informational, and down-to-earth resource for the medical and adult-use marijuana needs of our customers. Fine Fettle said there is a shortage of some products, and it takes time for plants to grow. In November, a man was arrested for killing four Chinese nationals at an illegal Oklahoma marijuana farm after demanding employees give him $300,000 as a return for his investment in the illegal operation, prosecutors said. Oklahoma voters legalized medicinal marijuana in 2018 under a similar statewide vote. Officials with the Department of Consumer Protection, which administers licensing, are working with producers to track the industrys footprint as many medical-use cultivators expand their operations. The company's other location in Montville will open on Jan. 10. What they say: "Created by a pharmacist in 2013, Bluepoint Wellness of CT was founded on the principle and commitment to providing medication-related care for the purpose of achieving outcomes that improve patients quality of life. Sale of recreational marijuana in CT depends on all four existing medical marijuana producers or additional cultivation to come online by Erica E. Phillips November 25, 2022 @ 5:00 am Updated . There was a lot of work that went into being able to make todays announcement, Michelle Seagull, commissioner of the state Department of Consumer Protection, told reporters at a Friday morning press conference. 2023 The Conneticut News Project. Kaitlyn Krasselt Twelve are up and running or will be soon. Different types and sizes of products may be purchased together up to a total of 1/4 ounce of cannabis flower or its equivalent per transaction. I actually waited six months to tell them that I was opening a dispensary. The vision is striving to be a leader in the dispensing of medical cannabis by focusing on patient experience, education and outcomes. NEWINGTON, CT (WFSB) - Connecticut on Tuesday joined 20 states in allowing the use of recreational cannabis. The Social Equity Council was developed by the state in order to ensure that products from the adult-use cannabis program are "grown equitably" and that funds from the program are brought back to the areas hit the hardest by the "war on drugs," according to the state's website. Andrew DaRosa is a web producer and reporter with Hearst Connecticut Media Group. The Botanist encourages online ordering as it will speed up the purchasing process ahead of what the website said will be thousands of people coming to buy recreationally. This marks Curaleafs second recreational facility in the state. Typically, these products are age-restricted and proper ID is needed to purchase cannabis products from a dispensary. Get CT Mirror briefings with enterprise reporting, investigations and more in your inbox daily. All Rights Reserved. Another potential hitch: retail sales cant commence until theres an aggregate of 250,000 square feet of grow and manufacture space in Connecticut thats devoted to the adult-use market. Seven medical retailers have been approved for hybrid licenses and could be ready to sell products as soon as production reaches the 250,000-square-foot threshold. By: John Craven.