Legalizing Marijuana Gets Attention of Connecticut Lawmakers

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) Connecticuts continuing fiscal woes, coupled with a new law that fully takes effect next year in neighboring Massachusetts, have prompted state lawmakers to take their most serious look yet at possibly legalizing the recreational use of marijuana for adults.

Several bills with bipartisan support that sanction the retail sale and cultivation of pot are currently progressing through the General Assembly. The first bill drew dozens of supporters last week at a Public Health Committee hearing, many lauding the legislation as a way to regulate an illegal industry and potentially deliver millions of dollars for the states coffers.

Why should we continue to give business opportunities to violent criminals who dont pay taxes and follow no regulations, asked Democratic Rep. Robyn Porter at the hearing.

Yet, despite the apparent growing enthusiasm and the fact Connecticut already legalized the medical use of marijuana, its questionable whether any of the recreational-use bills will ultimately survive this session. Some politicians, including Democratic Gov. Dannel P. Malloy, contend Connecticut should first wait and see what happens to its neighbors to the north.

In Massachusetts, its now legal to possess, use and grow small amounts of marijuana. However, the drug cant be purchased legally yet because retail shops arent expected to open until mid-2018.

We have Massachusetts. Let them go through the growing pains, said Rep. Joe de la Cruz, a Democrat. We walk into this thing. We take our time. Why do we need to make it legal this year?

Malloy agrees. The Democratic governor has said he doesnt think the state should play a role in promoting marijuana use, even though he pushed for Connecticuts law that decriminalizes the possession of small amounts of marijuana.

I think we should hit the pause button and watch how it works in the region, Malloy said in December, adding how all the news is not good in states that have fully legalized recreational usage. Seven states and the District of Columbia have adopted recreational marijuana laws.

Meg Green, a spokeswoman for the governor, said last week that Malloys personal position has not changed, but he is following the debate as this proposal works through the legislative process.

Connecticuts debate over recreational marijuana comes as lawmakers grapple with a budget deficit estimated to be as much as $1.7 billion next fiscal year, which begins July 1. A report released Feb. 1 from the legislatures nonpartisan Office of Fiscal Analysis determined the state could generate millions of dollars in new revenue, but not enough to ...