Recreational cannabis remains illegal in Connecticut as of now, but the state has passed comprehensive medical cannabis legislation and has even opened up its program to minors.
CBD from Hemp Oil in Connecticut
Hemp CBD oil is federally legal in the U.S. Individual state laws, however, are dynamic and some states have and will enact their own laws regulating hemp-derived CBD.
Medical Cannabis in Connecticut
Gov. Dannel Malloy signed into law House Bill 5389 in 2012 to legalize medical cannabis in Connecticut. Under the law, qualified patients can possess the amount that is ‘reasonably necessary’ for a one month’s supply. Patients must always have their valid registration certificates on hand to avoid arrest, prosecution, and penalties.
Connecticut’s medical cannabis program does have limitations as to who can be a qualified patient:
- Must be a resident of Connecticut
- Must not be an inmate
- Must not be under the supervision of the Department of Corrections
If these conditions are not fulfilled, then individuals cannot possess, use, or cultivate medical cannabis regardless of their medical condition.
Medical cannabis can be sought for the following medical conditions:
- Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
- Cachexia or Wasting Syndrome
- Cancer
- Cerebral Palsy
- Complex Regional Pain Syndrome
- Crohn’s Disease
- Cystic Fibrosis
- Epilepsy
- Glaucoma
- HIV or AIDS
- Intractable Spasticity
- Irreversible Spinal Cord Injury with Objective Neurological Indication of Intractable Spasticity
- Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
- Parkinson’s Disease
- Post Laminectomy Syndrome
- Post-Surgical Back Pain with a condition called Chronic Radiculopathy
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Severe Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis
- Sickle Cell Disease
- Terminal Illness Requiring End-Of-Life Care
- Ulcerative Colitis
- Uncontrolled Intractable Seizure Disorder
- Other medical approved by the Department of Consumer Protection
On May 17, 2016, Gov. Malloy signed House Bill 5450, allowing patients under 18 to get legal access to medical cannabis. The law went into effect on October 1, 2016.
Under the law, minors with a written certification from two doctors and a written statement of consent by a parent or guardian can get legal access to medicinal cannabis for:
- Cerebral Palsy
- Cystic Fibrosis
- Epilepsy (Severe or Intractable)
- Spinal Cord Injury (Irreversible)
- Terminal Illness
You can find Connecticut’s Department of Consumer Protection Medical Marijuana Program website here.
Recreational Cannabis in Connecticut
The use, possession, and distribution of cannabis for recreational purposes are illegal and charged as a civil penalty in Connecticut. First time offenders caught in possession of ½ ounce of cannabis is susceptible to a $150 fine. Repeat offenders or offenders caught with larger quantities can receive imprisonment of 1 year to 10 years and fines ranging from $1000 to $5,000.
Cultivation of Cannabis in Connecticut
The cultivation of marijuana for medical or personal use is now allowed under Connecticut law. However, House Bill 5780, signed by Gov. Malloy in July 2015, amended statues to allow institutions of higher education or the state department of agriculture legalize to grow industrial hemp in Connecticut for research purposes.
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