By Marc Fitch, Inside Investigator
This article was first published by Inside Investigator.
The task force that is supposed to report by January 2024 on whether or not individuals who grow cannabis at home can sell it at cannabis events, hasn’t been formed.
The Task force to Study Impacts of Authorized Cannabis Sales and Retail Event Organized for Such Sales formed part of the 2023 Omnibus Cannabis Law to address gaps in Connecticut cannabis regulations and enforcement. The bill signed by Governor. According to the bill signed by Gov.
The task force, according to the statute will examine possible effects of allowing “individuals authorized to cultivate marijuana in their homes to sell such cannabis, at retail prices, at events organized at least partly to facilitate such sales.”
Under Connecticut law, citizens are allowed to grow six cannabis plants for their own personal use. However, they cannot sell the plants. Retail sales of cannabis are only allowed to those companies that have obtained licenses from Connecticut’s Department of Consumer Protection. This can be a long and expensive procedure.
Christina Capitan, of CT CannaWarriors, said that she is not surprised that the task force did not form. However, Capitan believes there should be a system of licensing or permits for home-growers who want to sell the cannabis they grow. This will be at a smaller scale than fully licensed producers and retail outlets in Connecticut.
Capitan stated that it was inevitable that people who were adults and cultivating marijuana would want to share or offer this to the community at large. People have been sharing and selling cannabis for over a hundred years before legalization. I believe the state is doing its citizens a great disservice by not allowing this in any capacity, be it licensed or allowed in some other way.
Lou Rinaldi is a medical marijuana user who testified about the 2023 bill. He believes that the task force’s language was “thrown as a bone in response to some grassroots activism for what are functionally unregulated Cannabis markets,” similar to farmers’ markets.
Rinaldi stated that “Our state legislators have clearly shown their priorities in cannabis through their choice of actions: enforcement and revenue collections.” As with the hemp taskforce that was created in the 2022 session of the legislature, it appears there has been no action taken regarding this new mandate. We would like to see our elected officials be transparent and accountable, and do what they promised to do.
One organization testified, however, against the task force’s formation and its implications. They argued that this could lead to a reduction in the safety of cannabis-based products tested and tracked by Connecticut.
Kiersten Naumann is a member of CAPP’s Executive Committee, which focuses on mental health and wellness. She also serves as co-chair of Smart Approaches to Marijuana, an organization formed in response to the changing marijuana laws, and the negative impact they have on youth.
Naumann stated in a written testimony that “first, individuals who cultivate cannabis at home are not regulated nor licensed to ensure it is safe, and is grown in a safe hygienic atmosphere, free of potential contaminants.” “Furthermore,” Naumann said in written testimony, “off-site events increase the possibility that individuals under 21 will access cannabis products and children may accidentally consume THC edibles. They also increase the risk of individuals being impaired by second hand smoke.”
Naumann argued, too, that such events would require police to be present and could circumvent Connecticut’s prohibitions on cannabis advertising.
If the task force decided to allow such sales to individuals who cultivate marijuana in their homes, they were also expected to recommend legislation. A report is unlikely to be produced as the deadline for this report is only a month-and-ahalf away, and there are no members of the task force or scheduled meetings. The task force isn’t the only piece of the cannabis bill for 2023 that hasn’t been implemented.
Rinaldi points to the fact that the same legislation called for a cannabis ombudsman, who was supposed to be appointed by the Office of the Healthcare Advocate. This appointment has also not been made. The original deadline of October 1, 2023 for the appointment had been removed from the final law.
The bill states that the ombudsman will oversee complaints, review how Connecticut laws, regulations and medical marijuana patients are affected, and make recommendations for legislative changes.
Rinaldi stated, “If you want to change the cannabis industry in Connecticut and the cannabis market there, you must implement the laws you pass.” You can’t only prioritize the corporate aspects. Revenue and enforcement are not enough. Do what you promised to do.
This article was originally published by Inside Investigator.
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The post Connecticut Task Force to Study Allowing Homegrown Marijuana Sale Has Yet To Form, With A Report Due In January first appeared on Marijuana Moment.
